Thanks for your rapid responses.
The problem is 20 years old block paving still in excellent condition (and yes vibrated down when installed) and also vibrated during the sanding. No sinking anywhere because the area was surrounded by paving stones sunk edge-on into the ground when first dug...
I am new here and cannot find the information I need:
Is it better to use a petrol or electric plate compactor/wacker to vibrate dried sand down between block pavers and is the weight important. Any advice gratefully received.