so i have the door lock and central locking problem on my 54 VRS estate. got another lock from the scrappy for the front and rear drivers side as both have packed in but how the hell do you get the rear panel off. I have taken the 5 grub srews out, unclipped the rear window switch and undone the one screw that holds the rear door handle casing but still cannot undo the surround to the handle. it feels as if im going to smash it before it comes off. am i missing another srew somewhere or is it a case of just close your eyes and pull. Any help appreciated.

HI Buddy, you could follow this thread i put in techi section, it is for door switch fixiing but shows how to remove panel.

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/222287-octavia-1-replacing-door-latch-microswitch/

hope it helps