I'd recommend a Gates cambelt and waterpump kit, and new tensioner. They retail around £50-£60 for the parts.

Also do the thermostat while you're at it.

You don't say how old the car is, but presumably about 7 years or more? At that age & mileage the car may go on for years, or the belt may go next week, probably writing off the engine. Depends therefore whether you want to take that risk - i.e. do you want to keep the car enough to pay ~£250 for peace of mind.

My daughter had a 205 whose belt failed at ~50K, soon after a dealer service. On the other hand, I had a 205 GTi which was running on the original belt when I got the car at 17 years old. It's a lottery.

Gents,
Thank you for all your replies.

In answer to Andrew-T, it is a 52-plate so the better part of 13 years old. I won't be in a position to replace it until next year, so paying c£300 seems like a reasonable investment to keep it going (all other things being equal).

Re the thermostat - is this only 'do-able' with the belt off? It's on my list of bits to replace trying to solve the coolant temp light coming on when stopped in traffic (only ever in very warm weather, helped by turning the heater up full). I don't think the radiator fan is coming on - could the thermostat be at fault there? Excuse the noddy question; I'm still quite inexperienced with maintaining cars, but keen to expand my ability by doing as much as I can myself.

Got sidetracked there. Thanks again for the advice!

Rich