I have done all of the checks and scans, no linking to dodgy sites, broken links etc. I created a local trades reference page, with local names and addresses of mechanics, plumbers, painters etc etc.
By doing this, the particular town name cropped up too many times on the page, as soon as I had published this, the site dropped, and has remained in the same sorry position. I have removed the offending article and cleaned up the site, but as yet, have seen no change, I also submitted a reconsideration proposal to Google.
I know that sites should be about the end user, that's why the reference page was created, I am surprised at the severity of the penalty/filter. I had spent hours on content creation (unique) too, I hope that sooner or later it returns. I am luck that I have other sites that are developed and working for me. I think Mark Shannon has the same problem.
My host people were hacked into around about the same time, perhaps that has a bearing?
S