My old cord-pull switch gave up the ghost. It had 4 terminals + an earth terminal. The new switch only has 3 -- L1, L2 and Com (as well as an earth). Which wire goes where?
It sounds like your old switch was a double pole one - that is, the neutral and the live would be switched during the operation. Therefore, replace like with like to avoid problems here.
howtomendit.com for free repair help, information and advice.
Try fixfault.com to fix lighting.