Great News ...... But!!
 

The tourer flew through the MOT yet again, now 3+years of great ownership. Tester told me he had to put a new bulb in the number plate light.

Is it coincidence that since getting back from the test I can't get the tailgate to open, although the light on the panel shows there is a door open. Have tried the release catch in the car and locking and unlocking, but other that using the emergency release pull I can't get it to open.

Could the tester have dislodged/broken something. Any thoughts about what I need to do to get the tailgate working properly again?

Could be the switch inside the boot latch mate, if you need a new latch I've got a few
Mick

Might be something stuck in the latch mechanism. Did you have anything rolling around in the boot?

Done some fiddling! Seems the switch in the latch is mucking about. If I pull the rubber cover it fires, now working intermittently. Looked at getting to the switch but got stuck at first hurdle, what bit do I need to undo the 4 screws by the number plate bulbs holding the trim on? They also seem quite rusted!

Had similar problem on mine- rubber seal on handle/ switch was causing the problem- took it off, replaced in right position and worked for a while then wouldn't open again. Disconnected the battery for 30 mins, reconnected and problem solved( so far at least).

Will certainly look more closely at the rubber seal, that seems to be the most likely cause. How does battery disconnect help, will it mess up the radio? Not sure I have the code, if I need one.

Apparently it resets the ECU, I'm just going from others expertise though, I'm clueless with most things mechanical! I think you would need a code for the radio though. Not a problem for me as it came without a radio!

Every Rover I've removed a factory fit unit from has had the code written on it in large sharpie lol. Might be worth a pull out before you disconnect to see if it's on there. If not, always a good excuse to buy something a bit better :D

Don't believe in coincidences he probably disturbed the rubber seal which weather proofs the opening mechanism, pull it off and re-position it so it fits correctly without fouling the switch mechanism, you will be fine then.
The number plate bulb holder is delicate and requires the delicate fingers of a Geisha girl, not the sausage-shaped fingers of a baboon.