Replacing a ford fiesta 52 plate windscreen?

Yes your screen is bonded, this means it is actually stuck to the metal window surround with a very strong, yet slightly flexible, rubbery adhesive. Most breakers do not remove screens as there is a fair possibility they will break during removal. In actual fact, in principle, it is not particularly difficult to remove a screen and i have removed perhaps half a dozen over the year myself. Basically it just involves cutting through the adhesive. There is a special cutting tool which is not very expensive or it can be done with a length of 'cutting' wire and a bradawl (2 pairs of hands make this method easier). The trouble is that you then have to remove all the set adhesive from the edge of the glass, which is time consuming. Similarly, all the set adhesive has to be removed from your own cars window frame, which is also time consuming. A bead of new mastic such as 'Tiger Seal' is applied all round the window frame and the replacement glass carefully bedded down into it, then the cosmetic cover trim replaced. People like Autoglass can do the whole job on an hour, naturally they are doing it day in day out and have specific tools for each stage. A diy replacement would take considerably longer. Have you considered just having the chip repaired (Autoglass do this service also) you often find mobile chip repair vans in retail part car parks. This forces a clear Resin into the chip, filling it and preventing it spreading. Far far cheaper than a new screen and foc for anyone who has comprehensive insurance.

My brother got a 1984 Renault 4 windscreen for £20, so I very much doubt it will be difficult to find a ford fiesta one, Timbo.

If your insurance is fully comp autoglass should do it for free.