NEIGHBOURS are complaining over the eccentric actions of a man they nickname Gerbils because he keeps an army of rodents in his home.

Trouble started when John Maughan, 58, who often wears a German army-style cap, parked a fleet of 13 old cars in the street. All are stuffed with junk and newspapers and straw for his mice, gerbils and guinea pigs.

Mr Maughan, of Windsor Drive in Silksworth, Sunderland, has parked six in front of his house, while the rest are in nearby streets.

Fed-up residents have left notes telling him to move them, and some have even been vandalised.

Neighbour Sylvia Dixon, 65, said: "This was a lovely area at one time, but not since he has started with all of this. He just tells us he can do what he likes and we should mind our own business.

"We have nothing personal against him, we would just like him to move his cars."

Despite complaints from elderly neighbours, the council and police say they are powerless to stop him.

Mr Maughan declined to comment yesterday.

A spokesman for Sunderland City Council said: "From a planning and highways viewpoint, no action can be taken because cars are parked within the law.

"We will continue to urge Mr Maughan to consider his neighbour's concerns and monitor the situation."

Police said they have talked to Mr Maughan and will monitor the situation.