Well, after 5 days of assessments, the insurers have finally decided that the bike isn't a write off. God knows how long it's gonna take to repair 'cos they say they are 'waiting for parts'.
Enquired about the possibility of claiming from the council and the insurance advised me that it was not usually a successful procedure though I could try one of the myriad of 'ambulance chaser' type companies that are around nowadays. Don't think I'll do that 'cos I have a deep seated loathing for such companies!!
On the bright side, I should have shiny new (on the surface) bike in a few weeks.
Anybody seen any stabilisers on Ebay lately!!