Okay tried cleaning the MAF sensor with isopropril alcohol but it hasnt made any difference. 2800-3100 rpm I have hardly any power.

If i unplug the maf, the car goes like stink, all power and torque come back through the rev range. The car is also way more economical. (i just drove 180 miles on 1/8 of a tank.

I am a bit loathed to fork out £120 for a bit of wire and a resistor. I will do it eventually. Is it okay at the moment?

No its not ideal, it tells the ECU the amount of air going in in order for it to fuel the car appropriately. You will get over/underfuelling resulting in damage to the cat. You may think its running better as it will do if your MAF has completely gone down, but the car will run even better with the MAF working.
£130 all inc (inc P&P) for BOO members from us if you want one.