[the_purple_pig]

Thanks everyone for all the helpful replies.

I've no idea why it is like it is, I bought the house in that state - I guess a bodged guttering job by previous owner is likely.

I got home too late tonight to take a photo, but will be able to tomrrow, if not completely sort it out completely now that I am not afraid t touch it.

If I can get up the ladder, of course :-)