In this blog, the Leader talks about the summer concerts and the importance of the measles vaccination with the current outbreak.

Councillor Paul Watson became Leader of the Council in May 2008, after previously serving as Deputy Leader since May 2006.

Now, through his blog, he aims to communicate directly with you to give an insight into what is happening in Sunderland as well as the issues and challenges that face the city. With so much going on in the city, he wants to keep you informed about how much work the council is doing but also wants to hear from you. This is your chance to have your say so please feel free to get in touch.

Welcome to my blog.

It seems the weather at the moment can't quite make up its mind, but let's hope that summer is well and truly here for the fantastic concerts taking place at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland will welcome some of the most famous artists and bands in the world - and of course their fans - starting with Bon Jovi on 13 June and then Rhianna on 20 June. On 22 June, the really exciting North East Live event will take place with acts including JLS, Rita Ora and The Wanted.

As in previous years, I'm really looking forward to the buzz around the place as we welcome visitors and concert goers to our city and I hope that once again, our own residents are left with some great memories of seeing their favourite acts, live, here in Sunderland.

I also wanted to mention the latest outbreak of measles. While this of course is on a national level, we want to make sure that people in Sunderland stay as safe and healthy as possible and that parents help us to combat the spread of what can be a very serious illness.

The number of cases in the north east has been rising steadily since 2012 and the majority have been among unvaccinated school children.

We are delighted that the vast majority of GP practices in the city have signed up to a 'catch up scheme' where they will be inviting all unvaccinated ten to 19 year olds to come in for the MMR vaccination.

It can be a very distressing and harmful illness so please make sure if you have school age children that they have been vaccinated. If you're not sure, you can check with your GP.

The MMR vaccine can be given at any age, so it's never too late to be immunised, keeping yourself as safe and well as possible and helping bring the increase in measles cases under control.

Symptoms to look out for include a fever, cough, runny nose, and red and watery eyes. This is followed with a rash that starts on the face and neck which spreads down the body.

If you are concerned about measles you should contact your GP or call 111 in the first instance as normal.

In the meantime, please do make sure that you and your families have all of your vaccinations up-to-date and are protected from this and other illnesses.

Cllr. Paul Watson