Thanks for your rapid responses.
Now, I have also noticed that my internet connection is freezing and stalling, and cutting out, very annoying and rather frustrating.
However, delays (such as when an 'alert' appears, or when I have clicked on a 'like' - the forum freezes and stalls, and I have to exit it in order to re-enter) are much more pronounced this evening on the forum as well. Glad to see that the problem appears to be at my end; will have to phone the internet provider tomorrow if this continues.