THESE days there is, at the confluence of the A1 and the A66 in North Yorkshire, between Darlington and Richmond, a place called "SCOTCH CORNE TEL".

Every night after dark, this aberrant message has been seen for weeks, beaming out like a beacon to the weary traveller who may well wonder whether this is some new establishment not yet considered worthy of inclusion in Les Routiers or similar publications.

It is, of course, the well-known Scotch Corner Hotel, the scene of innumerable Press conferences, public inquiries, weddings and associated events featuring bridal wear organised by our sister paper, The Northern Echo. If memory is correct, its glorious days under private ownership were once recalled in this newspaper by our former Past Times columnist Peter Ridley.

Its present shamefully attenuated title seems to come down to the simple fact that, for the want of a few bulbs or a completely new fixture, the prominent red neon sign on the southern face of the building is not working properly and has not done so since the spring, to Spectator's certain knowledge.

The hotel is now part of a chain, and that probably explains it. Someone should have spotted and reported the illuminated deficiency to higher authority by now. Has nobody any pride in the place any more?

Spectator, who moves heaven and earth every Sunday in search of a good lunch, has been thinking of calling in at SCOTCH CORNE TEL, but only when they get that faulty sign fixed.

In any case, he always understood that TEL was an abbreviation for Terry. As in Minder.

B2 or not B2?

AS international eyes focus on the G8 talks, Spectator urges a more local discussion by the B2: B, the bridge separating North Yorkshire and Durham, and 2, the parishes of Croft and Hurworth.

B2 could be set up on a long-term basis but with only sporadic periods of short-term activity. It's agenda would be to eradicate the weeds flourishing among the pavement and particularly in the bays.

As an important point on the delightful stretch of road separating Northallerton and Darlington, as the entry into a county whichever way you travel, and as a place associated with the legends of the Sockburn Worm and the official entrance to the diocese of new bishops of Durham, the bridge deserves better care.

B2 would have a huge advantage over its big brother: a usefulness beyond argument and a purpose defeating the attentions of spin doctors.