FLat battery...*its new*

[Mew]

that earth bolts to the botom coil bracket bolt i think

Yep and the other end to the back of the cam cover

[Alpinehead]

fitted a new regulator in alternator and the p1ssin thing still wont start. i jumped it off me van had it running for about 30, just went out there to go to a mates and it was dead again. 

why are garages so fu*kin incompetant!   in for a mot.. out with shed loads of dramas!!

as for the earth ill see if it reaches the rocker cover...   seems a bit short tho.

[golf mk2 tornado red]

need to check they diconed the battery as yes your ment too. this could be your problem and fubad the battery