Dancox House residents in St John's 'upset and angry' at Platform

Concerns have been raised by residents living in Dancox House, in St Clements Close, St John's, Worcester, over the state of the facilities and the grounds' lack of maintenance.

Among the complaints includes a broken lift, which people living in two-thirds of the flats on the upper floors rely on.

Valery Joyce has lived in the building, which is a housing complex for people aged 55 and over as part of a retirement living scheme, for two years.

She said some people haven't left their apartments for two weeks due to the lift breakage.

Broken facilities and a lack of maintenance has left residents of Dancox House angry and upset (Image: Google Maps)

"There's a woman on the upper floor who hasn't been out for two weeks because she can't get downstairs without the lift," she said.

"It's disgusting, it's depressing me and other people. 

"I went out shopping the other day with a trolley and came back to find the lift was broken.

"It affects everybody. A lot of people are upset and angry."

Mrs Joyce lives on the top floor where she has to climb four flights of stairs to get to her room despite suffering with a bad hip.

"It's abysmal. Some can't get out to go shopping.

"Those that can have to have the warden help carry it upstairs for them.

"It's a horrible place to be at the moment."

The issues have been raised with the city and county Councillor for St John's, Richard Udall, who has called for the matters to be addressed.

St John's councillor Richard Udall [Fifth from right] has been contacted by several residents from Dancox House over concerns with the apartment building (Image: Richard Udall)

"I have been contacted by a number of Dancox House residents who have raised concerns about the lift and other serious repairs which are needed at Dancox House," he said.

"The lift was only replaced last year, I'm very concerned that it has already broken down. 

"I understand rainwater has gained entry into the electrics, it has to be drained and dried out before it can be repaired."

Platform Housing, who own the building, has been contacted by Mr Udall to check on the welfare of tenants living on the upper floors to help with essentials such as shopping.

Worcester News witnessed a member of Platform Housing assisting a lady with her shopping.

He has also requested for a temporary stair lift to be installed to allow easier access in and out of the building, which will "require extra staff to be on duty to help and for reassurance."

Mr Udall added: "I understand the gardens have also not been cut this year, Platform tell me it's been too wet to cut the grass, but they hope to do so soon.

"Dancox House was opened in 1980, and it is starting to show its age, the building needs investment to improve facilities, security and efficiency.

"It needs an update to make it suitable for sheltered Housing for today's pensioners. I will be urgently seeking this investment which hopefully will improve the quality of life of all the residents."

Worcester News has contacted Platform Housing multiple times but is still awaiting a comment.