If the worst comes to the worst you could disconnect the heater hoses and connect them to the block so as to take the heater out of the circuit. That would keep you going although you would be pretty cold at this time of year.

That sounds like a good idea, although it would require technical know how I do not possess!

one of the plastic 'clamps' is loose - typically the one in the more awkward position. I've ordered some tape and will see if I can bodge It!

Tape unlikely to withstand pressure. If you can't get a jubilee clip round the pipe, try some wire and twist it tight with pliers.

I've had a scrabble under the dash (not a particularly spacious area) and I can see evidence of leaking from both heater pipes, and one of the plastic 'clamps' is loose - typically the one in the more awkward position. I've ordered some tape and will see if I can bodge It!

The first thing to do is to replace the loose clamp with a jubilee clip and see if that does the job. It is worth a try. You never know your luck. If not try to see if the hose is leaking or is it the heater matrix. If the hose is the problem replace it or get your local back street mechanic to do it. If it is the matrix then look and see where the heater hoses come out of the engine. Disconnect one from the engine and then disconnect the other from the heater and plug the second one in where the first one came out. That is all that is needed to take the heater out of the circuit. If necessary you can cut the hose at the firewall where it goes through to the heater. Just make sure the connections are tight.

That sounds like a good idea, although it would require technical know how I do not possess!

I did that years ago on a hire car that sprang a leak in the heater: simply follow the heater hoses back to the engine, disconnect one end of each and reconnect one hose to both stubs which short-circuits the system.

Best suggestion as above by-pass the heater matrix, I did this once on an Vauxhall viva that split a heater hose on the M5. As SLO suggests try your local independent mechanic for a bit of ingenuity.

A lot of fiddling around yesterday and I have a jubilee clip in situ. Ran up to temperature and I can now have the heater on without the screen steaming up too much. That'll do assuming it lasts for another couple of weeks.

Thanks all for the suggestions.

Anyone wanna buy a 2005 Focus? Very good price!

Quick update of my steamy windows...

Over the last few days it has got worse. I think because it's steamy coolant it's more difficult to clear and wiping just seems to smear it.

Anyhow, yesterday morning I put an honest advert of Facebook Marketplace, with plenty of pictures. By 7pm I had a cash deposit with the guy coming back next week to collect it. He seems to be a man who can so isn't worried about the work needed.

Sold for £125 less than I paid for it. Not bad going in my opinion.

Reading this and dreaming about finding a 2005 Focus for less that 500 pounds................ My only gripe with living abroad is the price of used cars.

The Focus you paid a few hundred for would be minimum 3 to 4 times that for me..... Sad Face.

Hmmm. No salty air and in the middle of a continent........

I feel a little better! Though 3500 pounds for a 2007 Focus 1.6 petrol does get me though. No choice in the matter though.