Again many thanks for your replies. I promised to update you, I emailed my CO my withdrawal letter and requested a VAC refund. I followed this up with a phone call tonight and he told me what you have already said that this is currently a common problem and the Diac are looking into. He agreed to process the refund and will email me the details. I was relieved by this but will wait till the money is back with me then i will be happier.