I haven't heard about anything recently, however IIRC way back in the 1800s a businessman named Ambrose Crowley started a metalworks in sunderland. It obviously took advantage of the local labour on hand, augmented by the expertise of some of his Belgian workforce. Now, as I remember the story the mackems were so awful to work with that he moved his works to Winlaton, where the locals were extremely accommodating. He even had a pub named after him until recently, albeit in Swalwell. I think it's now called The Poacher's Pocket or something.
Obviously this wasn't a shadowy cabal as he was quite open about it but I wonder if this adds to their bitterness that's been handed down through the ages.
Tis indeed, Market Lane between Dunston and Swalwell.