Brendan,
Thank you for your prompt response and advice.
RE: Thinking, Yes, I know but...... Of course I got my report from ICB. Its spotless. So I have to speculate as to why I got turned down. All I got was a phone call about underwriters and my branch manager is missing. The ICB report does show that a loan was re structured but also that all the payments in past 36 months have been met. I am 56, in same successful job for 12 years, spouse is civil servant.
Yes, I may want to borrow in future, or at least guarantee a loan for a child, so I think I will pay off the lot.