A white flag has been raised in the most public spat since Jerry smacked Tom with a frying pan.

Three weeks ago, what looked like an old curtain was slung over a bridge on the A27 at Brighton with the initials JBS and the words "Wendy I want a divorce" daubed in green paint.

A week later, Wendy replied with her own sign saying "No way, you are the cheat!" and now another, more conciliatory banner has appeared from JBS saying: "This is just making it worse. I reckon that we should meet".

The big question in the pubs of Brighton and among the unwitting spectators of this unedifying row is simple: real or fake?

Or, to put it another way, are the authors pranksters or a warring couple who even can't pick up a phone to sort out their differences?

The latest twist in this motorway soap opera, painted in the same khaki green paint, is printed on the back of a Hallowe'en Strongbow cider banner, fuelling suspicions that JBS works in a pub or brewery with access to this kind of promotional material.

Despite much talk about the banners in pubs across the city, no one seems to be any wiser about the identity of Wendy or her apparent husband, JBS.

Paul Sparks, the manager of The Cobbler's Thumb in New England Street, Brighton, said: "We don't sell Strongbow so it can't be any of us.

"These banners have been talked about round the pub a couple of times but no one knows who they are. They've obviously got relationship issues."

Jim Rookes manages one of the closest pubs to the now infamous signs, The County Oak in County Oak Avenue.

He said: "We are close by but we don't sell Strongbow so I guess that rules us out.

"It sounds like this couple are frightened of each other. I hope at least one of them gets the result they want."

Colin Millham, the chairman of the Sussex Society of Licenced Victuallers and landlord of the King's Arms in George Street, Hove, said: "I haven't got a clue. It all sounds a bit ridiculous.

"It seems like they are just publicity seekers."

Are you Wendy or JBS? Or do you know either of the couple? If so, call The Argus on 01273 554535.