Councillors are only human, and despite their best efforts, they don’t always get it right. Total Politics takes a look at some blunders from the past which have ended in apologies from local authorities.

“Status Quo fans need not apply”

Brighton and Hove City Council wanted to encourage creative thinkers with their advert for four new strategic directors, using the headline 'Status Quo fans need not apply'. But manager of band Status Quo didn’t see the funny side, calling the ad “a direct insult to the capabilities of millions of Quo fans”. Allegedly, the band are considering flying a "councillors for Brighton and Hove need not attend” banner at their December gig in Brighton.

Beer for the underage

A 13 and 15-year-old boy were likely overjoyed when Southborough mayor Colin Bothwell handed them eight bottles of lager after they won the tug of war at a village fete. But older sister Rebecca Lavender was incensed, and Bothwell apologised for the blunder.

Jail for feeding the ducks

Feeding ducks was an offence punishable by ASBOs, fines and even prison, according to a letter sent to 12 elderly residents by East Riding Council. Councillor Liam Dealtry defended the residents and their feathered friends, saying: “They should be allowed to feed the ducks and enjoy their lives." The council duly apologised.

Rubbish Christmas lights

Residents in Flintshire found the Christmas lights bedecking the town decidedly un-festive, with many of them flickering or just plain broken, including a complete blackout on the ‘S’ in ‘Seasons Greetings’. After being inundated with complaints, the council apologised and admitted they would probably give Christmas lights a miss altogether the following year.

Gay animals on Noah’s Ark

Bournemouth borough councillors amused themselves by exchanging emails joking that Noah would need to fight planning permission and fire safety regulations to get his ark built in the 20th century. However, the joke turned sour when one councillor accidently sent the following message to the whole council: “To appease the equality people he would have to have some gay animals on board... I imagine now it would be illegal to only have animals of the opposite sex!” Councillor David Clutterback later apologised to the gay community.