If it will help you:

 

 

48 minutes ago, Andacami said:

 

I can do that - thanks for the obvious tip 

 

One thing I did do when replacing the mechanism was to move it very slightly from its original position. I am only talking about a mm or two at the most. The "hook" on the latch is still fully engaged and I not sure if I gave the finger lever part some encouragement to bend down as well.  

12 hours ago, Andacami said:

Hmm, all I can find is this: https://www.skoda-parts.com/spare-part/3t0823480a-upper-bonnet-lock-skoda-17987.html

 

Where else might I go for a new one?

 

Just take the part number given earlier to your local dealer parts dept. Mine was there the next day and it’s a five minute job to swap the old one for the new one yourself.  

This just happened to me today, thanks to this forum I took off the hook mechanism and cleaned up and greased it, now working perfectly, thanks again guys,