ELDERLY residents in sheltered accommodation have felt "trapped" in their home for the last two weeks.
The lift at Pegasus Court, in St Stephen's Road in The Park, has been out of order for more than two weeks, forcing pensioners to use the stairs.
But not all the residents are physically capable of walking up and down the stairs.
And that means they have been prisoners in their own homes for the fortnight.
Eleanor Prentis, 88, has been trapped in her house for the last 14 days.
Her son, Simon, 59, was outraged, saying there had not been enough quick action from the complex's managers, Peverel Retirement.
"My mother has been in the apartment for two weeks now, as it is very difficult for her to get down the stairs," he said.
"We've had to go in to help her, but the house manager has also been away on annual leave.
"Without somebody there, she is just stuck, and it is very dangerous for her to take the stairs anyway.
"It has been two weeks since the first complaint went in, and all the notices we got from Peverel about the lifts have not come to anything.
"They said they were going to do it on Monday, then Wednesday, then Friday, but it is still broken.
"The standard of service is just ridiculous, it is a massive health and safety issue.
"She is not the only one. The lift is a lifeline to them, and my mum doesn't want to go down the stairs.
"She used to take daily walks, but now she's effectively trapped in her apartment.
"It's terrible, and I don't know why it has taken so long for them to do something about it."
A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "It is still not working from two weeks ago.
"It has been quite difficult for us.
"I might be able to get up and down, but for many people who live here, they might find it more difficult."
David Sanders, a spokesman for Peverel Retirement, said the company had fixed the lift yesterday, after receiving a phone call from the Echo.
He said: "We apologise for the inconvenience caused to residents at Pegasus Court. The lift is now working again.
"Unfortunately, several pieces of specialist equipment were required to mend the lift, which had to be manufactured specifically for Pegasus Court.
"We sourced these as quickly as possible, but fully appreciate this was frustrating for residents."
OPINION, P8
