Hi Malcolm,

I used to live in that climate myself.  I know how mucky it can be this time
of year.

I would suggest you change out your brake fluid completely and maybe pull off
the rear brake drums to make sure that the auto adjusters are not rusted up.
   This was probably done to get through the MOT but I would check.
Gunsen make a good brake reservoir pressuriser kit (Halfords) which I use to
purge  brake and clutch lines.

Also at Halfords, I would recommend you get a copy of Haynes VW Transporter
manual 3452 as this has lots of useful info for you.
Its a pity you didnt change the front crankshaft seal while you did the
timing belt as there is only a little more work to do than for that job.   If
you have a leak on the other end of the engine, you will have black engine
oil dripping from the join between the engine and the gearbox.  Hope you dont
!      Check the condition of your CV joint boots too, while you are under
there.

cheers,    Steve