BUSINESSES have objected to the latest message displayed on a board outside Darlington Football Club's new stadium.

The board, erected by club chairman George Reynolds, has previously carried a message falsely suggesting that Century FM presenter Paul Gough is gay, as well as asking whether the editor of The Northern Echo should be 'shown the red card.'

That was followed last week by another message saying: "The Northern Echo in crisis and turmoil." A false statement about the paper's circulation was added later.

In fact, audited figures show The Northern Echo was the second best performing regional morning paper in the country last year.

The latest message was aimed at one of the main objectors to the 25,000-seater stadium being built in Neasham Road.

The message, which was taken down on Tuesday, said: "Can The Northern Echo stop Jan Mazurks dog from crapping here?"

Mrs Mazurk has led a residents' action group protesting against the new stadium and recently complained to the Local Government Ombudsman.

Mrs Mazurk said she had called the police over the latest message but declined to comment further.

Mr Reynolds said he had complained to the council about Mrs Mazurk's dog and threatened to leave the message on show for a week.

He said: "One person might not like the board but we have had a lot of interest in it."

The president of Darlington Chamber of Trade, Albion Small, said: "This gives Darlington a bad name. A lot of people drive past the stadium from all over the area. This is not the sort of image we want to be promoting."

Graham Robb, of Darlington public relations company Recognition Marketing, said: "This sort of petty billboard discussion really lowers the tone and detracts from the real image of Darlington and its people. It really is time for the council to examine whether advertising boards should be used for this purpose."

A spokesman for club sponsor Darlington Building Society said: "Whereas the stadium has the potential to benefit the town, the notice board seems to have nothing to do with promoting sport or other good causes.

"We believe that any institution that wishes to act in the best inerests of our town should ensure that public statements do not cause offence to the wider community."

Darlington Borough Council leader John Williams said the issue of the message board was being investigated.