Washing machine starts and stops filling

Hi guys, I have been having a problem with my washing machine since the cold weather started to kick in.

First off let me say that i have already looked through the common faults faq and there is nothing there that covers this particular problem.

I switch the washing machine on and the wash light comes on as it should do but then the door lock comes on and the wash and door lock light flash then it starts to fill

when this happens the washing machine will start to fill then stop, then start again, then stop again in sync with the flashing door lock and wash light until all of the lights start flashing and the washing machine eventually turns itself off.

I have noticed that this only occurs when the washing machine is cold, if it is warm the problem only happens when i have quick wash selected.

I can replicate the problem whenever the washing machine is cold.

I only have this problem when the heating has been off for a few hours and the room temperature has fallen quite low.

If i put the washing machine on to pump out, it will pump the water out but after it stops pumping out, all of the lights will start flashing as though there is a short somewhere.

The washing machine works fine when the room temperature is warm and once it does start to run, it will always finish the wash as a normal machine.

Hopefully someone will be able to help because i am almost ready to throw in the towel (no pun intended)