THought it would be a good idea to check the condition of the belt while I wait for the appointment to have it replaced , so when I removed the top cover noticed the indicator needle was outside of the gap on the left hand side. 

 

Is this normal for a belt with 50K on that needs replacing soon - My first guess its stretched a tad and the tensioner is taking up the slack but having looked how the tensioner works it appears to be locked in this position. 

 

Somebody help with my paranoia as I have to drive a couple of hundred miles before the belt gets changed......!

See the first pix for the indicator but just noticed a crack in the belt on the second.FFS is this about to go ...advice on driving the car please!

This is the indicator...

This is the crack

I would say the first pic is normal that's just your tensioner doing what it is supposed to do, when you fit the tensioner the needle is in the middle of of the cutout then over time as the belt stretches a little the tensioner takes up the slack.

As for the belt you are running the risk of serious engine damage it might go the next time you start the engine it might last 6 months, i personally wouldn't take the risk with a Cambelt.

Try to twist the belt at its longest extension ie the longest run if you can twist it more than 90degrees then you defiantly have a problem but if I remember correctly when I replaced mine the needle wasn't aligned with the cutout on the old one.

That cambelt looks bad to me, replace it.

Not possible to twist the belt 90deg but have ordered a timing belt kit today so will try and refrain from using the car if at all possible until I can get her in the garage.

 

Thanks for your responses