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Thanks, salix. I am now fairly convinced that A is the second indicator, based on "over", as you suggest. Everything now fits.
With regard to the compass points in the centre, ingenious, and well spotted. They could be in the correct orientation with the alternative format, but it does not follow from anything specific in two clues, as per the instructions.

Used to get the Guardian on Saturdays but stopped because it became too expensive and most weeks I hated the crossword. Reading this thread makes me sure I made the right decision.