nissan micra y reg?

Your problem is, as you say, a handbrake cable issue - or maybe a seized wheel cylinder. Lightly tap the cylinder pistons with a hammer to see if they are free. If not, replace the wheel cylinder - chances are its leaking anyway if its the original. Follow the handbrake cables from the wheels to where they connect to the lever itself. With the cable disconnected, pull the lever on then off again - the inner cable should pull back under its own spring.

John
October 2009