A hole has developed in the fire effect "coals" on my parents Magicoal Berry two bar electric fire. I am sure it will be impossible to replace this plastic moulding but they have just managed to get two replacement elements for it and they don't want to replace it. Any tips on how to repair the hole safely?

Nigel Stuart, March 2009

You can safely repair it using fibreglass.

Fibreglass kits are sold in car shops for repairing car bodies. A lot of older fuel effect mouldings were made of the stuff before plastic was used. You can paint it when dry if you want to match it in. Left unpainted it is somewhat translucent.
It does smell strongly, but once cured it will be fine.

Lee, March 2009