Hi,
Thanks to everyone for the comments - very helpfull.
I had the springs out and cleaned / inspected them
(I'd read a few posts about cracks) but I used them again
so this issue must be a setting down issue.
And the strut assemblies - looked side by side the same
as the old ones (although the old ones were clearly useless)
Haven't driven the car yet as I'm using the "refit" time
to change out the driveline bearing and put a new rear oil seal
in the diesel.

Once again thank you for the comments
regards
Gordon