....snapped. (2.0JTS 156 saloon 2002).

There still seems to be some tension when I pull the level ALL the way up,
so perhaps the cable is just snapped on one side (there are two rear
cables?).

After an unfortunate 'rolling way' incident when the car was young, it is
left in gear at all times when parked, so the only time I ever use the
handbrake is when I park on a hill. I know its an MOT fail (October), but I
don't actually need one - lift the clutch with the footbrake on and you can
do a perfect hill start!

Big job to replace?

DIY or garage? (Time is always an issue).