Once I start the engine the battery warning light stays on and steering is double heavy. Have switched engine on n off and is ok butd slight whereing noise with each push of gas pedal. Any ideas

Battery warning light suggests the battery is nearly flat. I doubt there is enough power to drive the power steering motor, thus the steering is heavy (you're not just turning the wheels, but also the motor).

Whirring noise could suggest the alternator has had it, which means you've got a very little number of miles left available before the car runs out of electricity.

Stick your head under the bonnet and see if the auxiliary drive belt is still in place (assuming it has one), im not that familiar with what is driven by what.

Many thanks. As feared. Car died and hour ago....called rac n on there arrival it started first time! Cheers

I had the same issues few months ago...eventually had to change the Alternator!!:bang:

Classic symptoms of alternator failure