turns out you are spot on mate
I brought it in today and it was taken for a test drive. Every time we turned and put weight on the left side you could hear the noise.
they have quoted me €699/£595 to 'replace lhf wheel bearing', €420 of which is for 'HUB & BEARING' and I guess €195 to look at it and fix it. Seems quite steep.
I also have to change the waterpump which will cost €374/€318
Heres the thing, the girl I spoke with this evening said I could drive it when I asked but they don't have an appointment to fit it until early January (they have to order the part). I have to say I am nervous about driving it til then, I do 70kms each day for work. What do you think?
thank you