AN escalator has been out of action in a busy Worcester shopping centre for two months, to the dismay of some shoppers.

The up escalator in CrownGate ground to a halt before Christmas because of a fault in the control panel. Engineers have tried to fix the problem and are now awaiting delivery of a new part.

Val Hastings, of Northwick, who regularly visits the shopping centre and bus station, urged them to take immediate action.

The 72-year-old said: “I’ve rung the management and they just keep saying they’ve got estimates.

“There are some people in their 70s and 80s who can’t get up to the shops unless they use the stairs or the lift, which isn’t very big, or walk up the pavement outside.

“The down escalator is working but it’s the up one that’s the most important. Some people have got walking sticks and walking aids, and there are young people who have got disabilities who are struggling. People like their independence. It doesn’t give a very good impression of Worcester.”

Erica Burlace, CrownGate centre manager, apologised for the escalator’s closure.

She said: “Following several unsuccessful attempts to rectify the fault in the escalator on the advice of our maintenance contractors, a new, energy-saving control panel was ordered on January 14 and we are awaiting its imminent arrival.

“We hope to get the escalator up and running as soon as possible and are extremely sorry for any inconvenience caused. In the meantime, we would advise people to use the lift if they are having difficulties.”