THE first female leader of Chester-le-Street District Council set out the council's new vision for the future at her first meeting this week.

In her first speech as leader, Linda Ebbatson set out new aims and objectives for the council.

Unlike other councils in the region, Chester-le-Street's ruling Labour party retained its majority in the recent elections. But it did welcome a few new Labour faces.

At this week's annual meeting, Coun Ebbatson announced changes to the council's political structure and made some new appointments.

A new list of aims and objectives for the council were set out. Coun Ebbatson said it was important to listen to local people and involve them in decisions. She also pledged to have regular reviews of the council's performance.

Coun Ebbatson said: "We now have a council which is refreshed and renewed, with a good mix of experience and a lot of new faces. Some that are not here will be missed, some more than others. This is an ideal time for change and it's an opportunity to move forward.

"Some things however are not negotiable; there will be no stereotyping of any group of people in our community or elsewhere. There will be no 'little women' or 'wifeys' here. If by some happy chance I'm invited to speak at the Women's Institute we will not necessarily speak about cakes and knitting any more than someone would talk about whippets and flat caps if they went to a workingman's club.

"We are of equal esteem. We share the responsibilities and satisfaction of doing the right thing."

Council chairman Bill Laverick handed over to Coun Tom Harland, who has picked Chester-le-Street Sea Cadets, St Cuthbert's Hospice and Youth Connection as his chosen charities.

In his final speech as chairman, Coun Laverick said: "We're not without problems, but within my travels throughout the North-East neither are other authorities. Chester-le-Street - although one of the smallest authorities in the region - is still held in the highest regard."