SPECTATOR reckons that a decision is long overdue on that busted down bus shelter lurking beside the A1 northbound slip road at Scotch Corner. Its distressed timbers, faded paintwork and broken glass are an appalling advertisement for Darlington-bound travel.

Yet even in its present decrepit state, the presence of the occasional shivering passenger suggests that the structure still affords some positive protection from the elements, much like its splendid and more durable stone-built counterpart in nearby Skeeby.

Unlike the present crop of standardised metal objects, so minimalist and open on one side, with seats apparently designed for midgets, that they may as well not be there when the wind and rain are blowing in a certain direction.

Which is what Scotch Corner is likely to get if and when the powers that be eventually try to assess whether the present shelter is beyond economic repair and passenger figures justify a replacement. Sad, but a sign of the times reflecting no credit on those who should have been more responsible custodians of such a basic amenity.

While on the subject of Scotch Corner, Spectator was passing through last Sunday morning and noted with approval a gang of Richmondshire District Council workmen clearing the A1 motorway verges of some of the tonnes of rubbish that continually accumulates there. Spectator trusts they were being paid overtime. The weather was absolutely filthy.

My vox pop

THE widespread public support Coun John Williams claims for the planned redevelopment of High Row seems to be keeping itself well below the parapet, if conversations around the town are anything to go by.

Those who mention it are generally indignant, even angry, and deeply cynical about the sort of "consultation" which takes place after the matter has been passed by the town council. Will the comments posted in the box during the Cornmill display at the weekend have any effect? Will we ever learn what the majority said, or believe it if we are told?

One ironic note about the whole shenanigan is that the town is spending serious money on restoring its Victorian heritage in South Park while proposing to spend equally serious amounts knocking it to bits on High Row.