A FORMER voluntary fireman from Dilton Marsh has had his Hotpoint dryer condemned after a fault with the drum caused it to seize, which he has been told could’ve led to a fire.

Greg Bolwell, 64, of The Circle, Dilton Marsh, experienced his first issue with the machine on November 9 when the drum had stopped spinning and the machine had heated up. Following a first inspection, modifications were made to the machine and the engineer informed Mr Bolwell it would be safe to use.

“The first engineer who called round said that the machine was safe to use but the issue carried on. We called a second engineer who then told us that the machine had to be condemned as the drum kept seizing, causing it to heat up. As a former fireman, if I had known that was the issue I would’ve cut the cord instantly, there have been a lot of fires involving tumble dryers recently and that could’ve happened to us,” Mr Bolwell said.

Mr Bolwell, who was a volunteer firefighter for 18 months in Amesbury, is concerned that the issue has not been properly addressed by the electrical compliance manufacturer and it could be an ongoing issue with similar models.

“We won’t be getting a replacement apparently, I just feel like this could be a larger issue as this could happen to a number of people with similar models to mine. The second engineer said something about it and that it had happened elsewhere, I am not sure if he let something slip but that is how it came across,” added Mr Bolwell.

“I think it needs to be investigated, it is a danger to homeowners if it is an issue with the machine. I haven’t got very far with Hotpoint.”

Hotpoint has since issued a statement on the complaints addressed by Mr Bolwell and his concerns over the fire risk of the company's product.

A spokesperson from Hotpoint said: "The safety of consumers is our number one priority which is why we work hard to resolve all customer matters as quickly and efficiently as we can. Our customer services team has contacted Mr Bolwell and can confirm his concerns have been addressed."