Hi, 

Moved my car this morn, pulled up outside, left it idling over when all of a sudden the car cut out. Started it up went to pull away and the steering was as if the engine was not on, veryvery heavy. I also noticed that the battery light was now on. Can anyone shed some light on what this might be?? Thanx, Rob

Suggest its the battery on its way out.

Would that make the steering that heavy? I really couldnt pull it around on a full lock.

After a bit of googling, i think it may be the alternator belt?? 

Depends on what Octavia it is.  The MK1 has a habit of breaking the belt tensioner when the alternator pulley seizes up and the MK2 has electrically assisted steering so when the battery goes the steering goes.

 

Either way on todays cars when the assistance goes they are near on impossible to steer.

51 plate?? Mark one?? Is the pulley an expensive job?