Mike
Thought the problem was due to my misuse or got some sort of solvent on the hose. But your fit for purpose comment makes me think that I should take it up with the supplier.
Just to clarify. I unscrewed all the hose cuffs and put half of the clear section which was in front of the water inlet valve (doesnt seem to split) behind the water valve, and kept half as spare.
I then replaced front section with a piece of grey pipe as you dont need to see through this part.
Finished off by using a flexible clear silcone to seal the screw fittings into the cuffs.