Could you give me any advice on why a blank page opens when clicking on links on web pages, rather than the link loading as a new page.

I'd require a bit more information to give best advice.
Is it just 1 page or every page?
What browser do you use?

I'd guess you could try "internet options" in the tools menu of internet explorer and set everything as "default".
In each of the tabs along the top you make sure the default buttons pressed (thers about 6 to find).
That will make your browsing options default/standard again.

Leicestershire area? Yes/No Yes

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