AT Richmond's mayor-making on Monday the spirit of bonhomie filled a packed and expectant town hall.

Such has been the impact of last year's mayor, Coun Stuart Parsons, he was duly elected mayor for this year - a rare honour indeed. Coun Parsons' election for a second term was made virtually inevitable by a petition of townspeople, who clearly know a good thing when they see one.

The consensus at the congenial reception held afterwards was that Coun Parsons was the ideal mayor. Hard working and enthusiastic, he combines respect for the institution he heads with refreshing informality. As one councillor put it, he has brought the feel-good factor back to a town in need of it.

Lurking in the agenda for the largely ceremonial annual meeting was a rather more worrying sign. Among the nominations for places on the various town council committees were "Coun A N Other" and "Coun A N N Other".

This was a reflection that the council has two vacancies caused by the retirement of long-standing members and the failure of anyone to take their place. This meant that at the local elections there was no need for a town council election. Those who did stand were elected unopposed.

It seems strange that a town as proud as Richmond can find as charismatic a leader as Coun Parsons but struggle to find people to stand for the body which he leads. He can't be mayor forever.

Hotel and catering

WHAT is the matter with previously highly regarded country hotels near Darlington? First the Newbus Arms at Neasham is closed and is about to be turned into a home for autistic people. Now the owners of the Croft Spa are seeking planning permission to convert one of the area's favourite wedding venues into flats and houses. Word also reaches Spectator that another prominent hotel outside Darlington was virtually empty of guests last Sunday lunchtime. Can no-one make a go of it?

Circumstances are of course different in each case. The Croft Spa appears to have been struggling for many years as it has passed from one owner to another, which is surprising given its location on a main road out of the town and classical style - it was designed by Ignatius Bonomi in 1835.

Spectator hopes Richmondshire District Council will refuse to grant permission for its conversion and somebody will come forward to take the sad old lady off the present owner's hands. It still has the potential to be a top class venue.

What's at stake

Those somewhat confused by the shenanigans over the Northallerton millenium bandstand project probably ought to know that the powers that be feel strongly that if the town is to retain its pre-eminent status as a shopping mecca in northern North Yorkshire, it needs to offer the retail industry further development opportunities.

Given that such development must be within the existing shopping centre, that means only one site is potentially available - the auction mart.

The trouble is it isn't big enough for what any developer might have in mind, which is why a part of the Applegarth is needed - and why some people think the bandstand project has appeared to run out of ompah.