Isles MP Angus MacNeil has written to electrical manufacturer Hotpoint regarding the hundreds of island residents who may own a tumble dryer affected by a safety alert.

A large number of tumble dryer models were identified as being a safety risk in 2015 and Mr MacNeil has recently been contacted by several constituents who are still struggling to resolve the issue with the manufacturer.

Last week the manufacturer issued further advice stating that machines should be unplugged and not used until after a modification was undertaken.

Mr MacNeil said: “I understand that several hundred households could have a tumble dryer in them which is affected by this safety alert where build up in the lint tray can go on fire. I would urge anyone who owns a tumble dryer to check if it is affected.

“I am aware that many of those who have already contacted the manufacturer are struggling to get this situation resolved. Understandably many people wish to have a replacement machine rather than a modification.

“It is clear that the companies haven’t got anywhere near resolving this situation and I will be writing to the Chief Executive of Hotpoint to ask that they make every effort to bring this matter to a close.

“I will also write to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Greg Clark MP, to seek his input on what the UK Government is doing to protect consumers.”

A model checker can be found at https://safety.hotpoint.eu/ and https://safety.indesit.eu/, or a freephone helpline on 0800 151 0905.

 

Consumers should closely follow the advice of manufacturers regarding use of affected machines and particularly check and clean the filter after every cycle and ensure proper dryer venting.

Mr MacNeil is also adding his support to efforts by Andy Slaughter MP to urge manufacturers to recall all faulty tumble dryers.

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/169835

A Facebook support group for those affected has been set up with more than 2,400 members. They have also set up a petition calling for the UK Government to implement the findings of the consumer product recall system.

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/167550