Angry councillors want the city council to take action on fly-posters, rather than letting people off for first offences – just weeks after a get-tough policy was introduced. At least eight posters advertising the Cool for Cats disco at the Independent on Holmeside have been posted on council and BT property across Herrington, Doxford Park and Barnes. Council officials say the perpetrators will not be prosecuted as it is a first offence, but Conservative members Robert Oliver and Michael Dixon are calling for a clear message to be sent out to all flyposters who are messing up Wearside's streets.

A council mix-up has left neighbours seeing red after a phone mast was sited next to their homes. Sunderland City Council has found itself embroiled in a battle with phone giant O2 to see the mast pulled down. But the company is sticking to its guns and has vowed it is there to stay. O2 lodged plans with the council to erect the 15-metre mast opposite the Dolphin Pub at Ashdown Road, Farringdon, in February last year. The council opposed the bid over the design and siting of the mast, and nearby residents launched a petition on the grounds that it would affect property values and their health.