MOST likely inspired by the Evening Press's highly successful makeover, Look North has jazzed itself up. But one falcon-eyed viewer wonders quite where Harry Gration's star vehicle is taking us.

"The new Look North from Leeds has revamped its title sequence. So, what iconic image has the BBC chosen to represent the heritage of our fair and noble city? A cyclist at Monk Bar," writes Chris Wood, of Portland Street, York.

"In fact, it looks very like one of York's noteworthy paramedic cyclists, setting off on a mission of mercy somewhere.

"But wait! That's Monk Bar... and he's cycling towards us from underneath the original archway. This means - horror of horrors - that he's cycling the wrong way through Monk Bar."

This, Chris believes, is a deliberate message "sent out by the BBC - via satellite to anyone in the UK and beyond - that York expects cyclists, even those on legitimate business, to ignore the road signs, road markings, dedicated cycle lanes and the law.

"Our once-proud city is a place of life-threatening, two-wheeled anarchy, and the BBC, as part of its public service remit, isn't ashamed to show it as it really is.

"Upstanding citizens (or at least those of us who haven't been run over yet and are still able to stand up) should be demanding a full refund of our television licence fee."

WE have found one! We have found a Galloway who backs Hugh Bayley.

Almost.

Yesterday we failed in our search to find a Mr or Mrs Galloway who would support our MP, to counter their namesakes, council leader Steve and Respect Party messiah George, who are confirmed Bayley bashers.

But today John Galloway sides with Hugh. If pushed.

John, 50, of Wentworth Road, York, is more qualified than most to comment. He works at Hugh's old haunt, the university's Centre of Health Economics, and has met the Member for York more than once.

When he was 19, John also met Steve Galloway, who was then bidding to become Liberal MP for York. Since that meeting he has gone off Liberal politics.

So how does he feel about Hugh? "I wouldn't say I am a complete fan of Hugh Bayley. I don't have a lot of time for any politicians outside of Tony Benn," he began, unpromisingly.

"But out of the three it would have to be Hugh."

The Diary then drew from John a semi-promise to vote Labour again next time, although he is still dallying with going Green.

"I think the Lib Dems have screwed their chances with what they have done with parking in York," added the wicket keeper of the Wellington pub cricket team.

AS "journalists" we know all too well that deadlines are there to be ignored. City of York Council evidently takes the same view.

We raised the lack of progress along the Malton Road foot/cyclepath with York council last month. A spokeswoman told us on September 24: "Work began on Monday this week on the final resurface. The marking of sections will follow and we hope the paths will be fully ready for use during the week beginning October 4."

A quick update then: it didn't, and they aren't.

THIS is just a guess, but the Diary believes John Grogan has declined the joys of freemasonry.

It was the following comment, relating to the appalling destruction of the copper beech trees in Fulford, that led us to that conclusion.

"In my seven years as the Member of Parliament for Selby I have never had to deal with a more difficult and aloof organisation than landowners the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution."

You just need the right handshake, John.

Updated: 09:06 Friday, October 08, 2004