AMID all the hype surrounding the forthcoming demolition of the Get Carter car park at Gateshead, a fleeting moment of black humour from the famous film is being overlooked.

Crooked businessman Cliff Brumby, played by Bryan Mosley, aka Alf Roberts in Coronation Street, is thrown to his death from on high by a vengeful Carter minutes after meeting two developers working on his latest dubious project.

On hearing sirens and seeing approaching police cars, one of the dapper duo adjusts his cuffs and tie and observes sniffily: "Something tells me we're not going to get our fees on this job." A great throwaway line, worthy of Hollywood- on-Tyne.

Changes afoot

WE reported some time ago (in August 2006 to be precise) that Thirsk's venerable hotel the Golden Fleece - one of England's oldest inns - had changed hands and that the new buyer had ambitious plans for the much-loved institution.

Hopes of a significant makeover were raised by buyer Richard Murray Wells's track record with another hotel, The Feathers at Helmsley, which has been substantially overhauled and is now considered one of North Yorkshire best country hotels.

Significant similar progress at the Fleece has been notably absent so far, but Spectator understands that may soon change, with plans for a major extension to the rear among the proposed improvements.

Fighting for space

Efforts to encourage the cafe culture in Darlington's pedestrianised town centre have struggled of late with the poor spring weather.

But the squabble between two establishments over space in the market square suggests stakes are higher than perhaps we might have thought. There's only a yard at issue in the dispute which, given the size of the market place, is comparatively tiny.

Another bar/cafe is due to open its doors soon on the opposite side of the square which, if the weather is kind this summer, increases the prospect of that continental cafe ambience the borough council craves so much becoming a reality, if only temporarily.

Valued landscape

Spectator can well understand why villagers at Seamer, near Stokesley, and Hilton, near Yarm, are not best pleased at the prospect of a large windfarm in the countryside between the two communities.

The stretch of rolling countryside is very unusual in the Tees Valley which, beyond the Cleveland Hills, is best known for its featureless flatness. Arguably, it is a microlandscape as valuable as any in a national park.