A CONTROVERSIAL message on a board outside Darlington Football Club's new stadium has been removed after a complaint to police.

The message, which named stadium protestor Jan Mazurk, was taken down yesterday morning.

Police were called on Monday night after the notice, which read, "Can The Northern Echo stop Jan Mazurk's dog from crapping here?" was posted on the board.

A Darlington police spokesman said yesterday: "An officer first went to Mrs Mazurk's house and then spent time with Mr Reynolds.

"As a result of this conversation the sign in question was removed. As far as we are concerned that is the end of it."

Mrs Mazurk declined to comment yesterday.

The message led to objections from local businessmen who said it was bad for the town's image.

Mr Reynolds said yesterday: "I have had a good response, people have been really positive about it. A lot of people are disappointed that it has come down, but you can't mend bridges if you continue to do things like this. I did this as a favour to the police but they couldn't make me remove it."

He said he would continue posting messages on the board, which does not have planning permission.

He said: "I will still use the board. I am getting fresh news and have to keep putting different things up there. I have done well with the board and have got national interest in it which has to be good for the town."

* Mr Reynolds confirmed yesterday that he has bought an extra piece of land at the edge of the stadium site that belonged to the Darlington Cattle Mart. He plans to use it for extra car parking, or as a bus drop-off point.