Looks like Escallonia leaf spot, a new fungal infection which only affects Escallonia. There is no known effective fungicidal treatment, though you could try something like Westland Plant Rescue Fungus fighter - spray a small area to make sure the plant doesn't suffer damage from the spray though.

The best control is good hygiene and pruning - remove promptly all affected leaves, and those which have fallen to the ground, and don't allow any to remain on the ground. Cut back if necessary to healthy growth, although if the plant has had the infection for a while, it will already be weakened and may not respond well to hard pruning. If the spray doesn't damage the plant, then cut back and spray particularly any new growth, with repeat treatments, following the frequency recommendation on the bottle.

Feed the plant to strengthen it during spring and up till end of June, keep well watered during dry spells. And that, I'm afraid, is all you can do - if the plant succumbs completely and you have to remove it, I wouldn't recommend you plant another Escallonia.

Thanks Bamboo, that's much appreciated.

How many more of these new diseases are we going to have to deal with? Useful info Bamboo, thank you.

It's too depressing to think about, Stera;-))

I have ended up digging it out this afternoon! I had a good look and it was very widespread, so decided to cut my losses. But thank you for the advice.

I've got this on mine too will have to take a closer look I've got Iveyi