Punto (Mk2/2b) dashboard clock related to loss of power steering

[fingertight]

Hi i'm new to this site my user name is fingertight.Manchester UK Ive owned Punto's for about 5 years. always had the power steering fault on all of them.My latest one is a 53 plate Active.At first the power steering light came on but the power steering worked !! thats a new one to me.Then the light came on and I lost power steering completely. This seemed to coincide with the petrol low level light coming on ! Tonight I set off , no power steering petrol light on. Called in for £15 worth of petrol . Started the car and power steering worked instantly !!
Has anyone got a clue what's happening ?
Thanks in advance

 

[T14086]

When was battery last checked / changed / charging circuit tested?