As its a standard, then am I right to assume your bay is in a pot? If so, recommend you turn it out of the pot and inspect the roots and compost for invaders of some kind, remove as much compost as possible without damaging the roots, and repot in fresh compost, probably in a larger pot if you haven't repotted in a while. Also check the stems for scale insect or other infestation or disease.

Hi Bamboo I am going to try and get a picture for you, when I say standard, I suppose I meant an ordinary laurel, and ones builders put in when they build new house, but I will get a picture, have checked out the pictures on the shot desease but I dont think its that as although some have holes, most are left with the middle stalk, strange eh, but watch this space for me and thanks.

An ordinary laurel, hmm, so is it bay or not (Laurus nobilis)? I'd be very surprised if builders chose to plant a Bay.

Bamboo... photos of leaves on Patricia's latest blog. :o)

Yep, seen 'em - have responded under the blog, Patricia, thanks TT