3 Jun 2021
DOWN TO BUSINESS: Startforth Parish Council chairman Pat Estall, centre, presides over the annual meeting, with, from left, Cllr Liz Franklin, clerk Judith Mashiter, Cllr Peter Worley, Cllr Johnny Cooke-Hurle and Cllr Chris Carr
After pitching up at Cotherstone village green for an al fresco parish council meeting, reporter Stuart Laundy this week finds himself back out on assignment and under cover. but all is not what it seems. TIMES have definitely changed,” says Johnny Cooke-Hurle with a wry smile.
We are standing in what, back in the day, would have been the winter home of his young stock cattle at Westwood Farm, on the A67 Bowes Road.
NO TAX PLEA: Acting Durham police, crime and victims commissioner Steve White
PARISH councillors in a dale village have urged Durham’s police and crime commissioner to follow their example and not hit taxpayers in the pocket.
Members of Startforth Parish Council agreed not to increase the amount paid by residents for grassroots services in the next financial year. It means those living in a band D property will continue to pay £42.51 towards the cost of the parish council.
Later in the meeting, councillors were asked for their views on proposals by acting Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner Steve White to add £15 to council tax bills – a seven per cent increase and the maximum he is allowed.