It shouldn't be that high, on a good day I'm on about 200, sometimes when the server is busy it tends to go up to ~400-450.
Are you playing on wireless and at a fair distance from the router? If so, try plugging an ethernet cable in, or even buying a 20 metre one if nobody objects to you running it along the wall
[You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]. Will make the connection more stable.
Based in Essex, so not far from you.