Sir Niall....
"I heard a rumour last week that all en-route NDBs and VORs will be phased out by 2018. (Note the word RUMOUR in that last sentence)"
It's no rumour, see details here.....
http://www.ukfsc.co.uk/files/Consult...Aug%202009.pdf
Not all VORs affected, but most NDBs.