wooden kitchen splash back

[yandeboy]

Only recently moved in a brand new bloor house in wolverton mill, milton keynes. Of course, the list of problems have been endless...a complete nightmare.
One issue we had was that:they installed a wooden splash back by the kitchen cooker hob.
I felt this was dangerous as it is a fire harzard. but the bloor site staff denied. The brand new microwave installed with the kitchen packed up after 10 minutes. The engineer from the manufacturer who attended my premises to investigate the microwave problem noticed the wooden splash back and condemned it. He confirmed it was wrong to use wood and that it was fitted too close to the edge of the gas cooker hob. He promised to raise the matter on my behalf with the hob manufacturer AEG. AEG confirmed that combustible material e.g wooden splash back should be fitted at least 50mm from the edge of the cooker hob. This wooden splash back was fitted 32mm from the edge of the hob.
I reported the matter to CORGI inpsections as it has to do with a gas cooker fitting. CORGI responded promptly by sending an inspector to my premises. The inspector was amazed and confirmed he had never seen a wooden splashback being used. Stainless steel or even tiles were acceptable.
To my suprise, the kitchen contractor Nobilia and Bloor suggested it was safe and that there was nothing wrong, but yet they agreed to change my wooden splash back to stainless steel out of goodwill!More like too much pride to admit their blunder!
I found out from the chap who came in to replace the wooded plash back with stainless steel, that the true reason for using wood was the cost. The wooded type cost £15-£20, while the stainless steel version cost about £75!
Very sad, that builders chose to put innocent lives at risk while trying to cut cost by fitting illegal items.
If anyone has wooden splash back, please complain and get it changed. if you need help or advise, pls let me know..

[okoroboy]

aaaah. I have the same issue.
What a shame! I have argued with them that the wood would dry out and become very combustible. They are still playing stubborn. I have already contacted HSE (health and safety). will definite chat with CORGI

[Tony]

Hi,

I know a few journalists that would be very interested in this story. E-mail tony@snagging.org if you are interested in getting them to explain themselves in the national press.

Tony

[yandeboy]

Thanks a lot. I ve emailed.
Do you reckon i stand a good chance of getting compensation as i was unable to use my kitchen due to fear of fire harzard. My building insurance company advised me that they would not pay out in the even of fire resulting from this wooden splash back.
Hence i was living off take aways and fast food until the splash back was changed.
If yes, how do i go about it?

[Tony]

Hi, I've got your mail. I'll reply shortly. It would be difficult to claim compensation unless there is something to claim for e.g. stress, depressions, injury or financial loss.

Tony

[yandeboy]

yes, there is something to claim for as my solicitors have confirmed this. i.e. stress and financial loss.
I shall proceed with this

[yandeboy]

My letter was published by Mortgage Introducer magazine..see link below:

http://www.mortgageintroducer.com/cc..._improving.htm

[Tony]

Good for you - I have posted this in the news section.