Thanks for suggestions - no need for speed tests as
www.google.com averages about 6 mins to load up!
Other sites just as bad.
However there has been progress.
I can now connect at proper speeds and even view web pages! If you had to ask me how I fixed it I would say I don't know as I have tried so much.
I now have a new problem - my connection keeps dropping. Have been online for about 30 mins and had to redial 5 times. Have even tried some software called stayonpro, which supposedly keeps your connection going, but it doesn't really help.
Haven't phoned ntl about this one yet so they may be of some help this time.