A BROKEN lift may be replaced by Christmas after the city's MP called for urgent action and an enquiry as residents complain they are prisoners in their own homes.
There were fears the lift at Brookthorpe Close in Warndon would not be replaced for 22 weeks from the time a contractor was appointed by Platform Housing Group, which manages the flats.
However, a contractor has now been appointed.
Some frail residents complained of not being able to leave their flats since last Christmas because they struggle to use the stairlift, installed as a temporary measure until the lift is placed.
Tom Collins, the city's Labour MP, was concerned by the delay and intervened, saying he has been assured the lift will be replaced by November.
Cynthia Ash, 84, is one of a number of vulnerable residents affected by the broken lift which has even failed with people inside. Firefighters have had to attend to free them.
We reported last August how the lift, which residents say fails periodically, broke down again last July. Residents complain it has not worked properly for the last six years.
Mrs Ash's 59-year-old daughter, Angela Jones of Gamekeepers Drive, broke down in tears as she described her mum's decline which she blames on the broken lift.
Cllr Jill Desayrah, who represents Warndon on Worcester City Council, has been supporting families and campaigning for the lift to be replaced, seeking support from the city's Labour MP.
She said: “"After battling on this for so many months, getting Tom Collins to back me up, certainly helped to get the attention of Platform Housing.
"The director he dealt with seems genuinely shocked at the serial mismanagement of these things. But they do seem committed to completing this work as soon as possible now.
"Furthermore they have promised an internal inquiry, to identify what went so wrong and understand what lessons are to be learnt for the future.
“We understand that contracts will be signed with the chosen supplier this week and the nonsense of then allowing 22 weeks to do the work has been dropped. November is now being promised. So all in all it’s looking promising and the offer of compensation as well as refunding some of the service charge levied during the past 2 years is also encouraging.
“At last it's good news and hopefully an early Christmas present for Mrs Cynthia Ash - something she and the other residents really deserve and long overdue."
Tom Collins said: “I am really pleased that this problem has now been addressed, and I am grateful for the hard work of Jill and the family members of local residents.
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"This situation should never have occurred and is utterly unacceptable. Platform have assured me that they are investigating this failure with an internal review, and I have urged them to make sure changes are made to ensure this type of situation cannot happen again.”
Marion Duffy, chief operations officer at Platform Housing Group said: “We are sincerely sorry for the prolonged issues with the lift at Brookthorpe Close but are pleased to announce that we have now appointed a lift contractor. The works to replace the lift will begin in November; we will keep our customers informed of a completion date and our local team will continue to provide help and any support during this time.”
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