If you get any joy out of Velux let me know! They point blank denied any responsibility that the blind design was defect. I think there is a definite flaw causing the cord to fray and leading to expensive replacement parts or a whole new blind. Neither option was very acceptable but I needed the blind quick as it was in my daughters bedroom so opted for the new one. Didn't order from Velux though - can get genuine Velux much cheaper on other sites!

Dear All, In my previous post I attached 5 pictures which are pending approval. In this post I have attached a pair of Velux parts diagram. No help of course as they still cost far too much to repair the thing and ended up buying a new blind! Grrr

Dear All, See my words below for my woes of Velux blinds!! Originally started via the link below: Link via h t t p : / / zebbakes.com/2011/06/21/how-to-uninstall-a-velux-black-out-blind/ 22/4/12: One of the grey plastic cord guides on the cartridge ends has broken from a groove being carved into it over time from the cord, which then frayed and broke!. The cords also seems to be attached into a black plastic plate that fits on the end of the cartridge, and having taken it all apart we cannot workout how to disengage it. We have taken lots of photos and now plan to e-mail them to Velux followed by phone call. It would be good to be able to show you but I can’t see how to do it? I am hoping they have the spare parts we need otherwise it means a whole new blind – not cheap. 10/6/12: Velux were most unhelpful – surprise, surprise. They wouldn’t supply the expensive parts free as the blind was more than 3 years old, despite the fact that I am sure the cords frayed and failed due to a design fault. Just waiting for the other blind in the same room to go the same way! Due to the expense of the parts we opted to buy a complete new blind but not from Velux direct as – guess what – they were more expensive. Also opted for a plain colour so that it is easier to match to when the other goes and we have to replace that one too. Life has a habit of sucking money out of my bank account! Just been reading through the posts again. I have the replacements parts info (with part numbers) from Velux if anyone is interested + photos of how my cords frayed and the groove that formed on the ends the bottom edge of the blind.