Electric fire repair help required

[condor]

I bought a flame effect electric fire about 3 years ago so it's out of the guarantee period (cost approx £1K, though that includes the fireplace surround). It's operated via a remote control unit and I've changed the battery and that's not the cause of the problem.

When I switch it on the light bulbs that are used to create the flame effect flash on and off very quickly instead of staying on all the time. I can get the 1KW fan going but it cuts out on the 2KW setting.

I've tried to contact the manufacturer (flamerite fires) to find an approved service repair agent locally - but can't get through via their telephone number ( number taken from website) and haven't had a reply to the e.mail I sent them (from their website) either. I've asked a local shop that sells their fires and they've just told me they don't repair them and I'd have to contact the place direct.

I don't know if it's normal for them to shut down for the Christmas period/ could be the snow (Staffordshire)- or I've been unlucky each time I've tried to phone them - their phone might even be on the blink. I don't think I'll be able to do much about this now till after the Christmas break - so am off to get a back-up fan heater ( as luck would have it, the one I usually have as a back-up has packed in too!)

Anyone know of a repair centre close to Bedford?
TIA

[jdbecks]

Without seeing it, could be the thermal cutout switch has packed up.

[condor]

Got back home earlier today and there's an e.mail dated 23rd from them.
They are on their Christmas break till the 5 Jan 2011 and only have their own service engineer who is on site - and have suggested I call them to discuss the problem in the New Year, when they've returned from their break.