Lift nightmare leaves woman ‘stuck’ in flat
OAPS UNABLE TO GO OUT FOR NINE DAYS DUE TO PARTS DELAY
DISABLED residents at a Guisborough retirement home have been stuck in their flats for nine days after their lift was out of order.
Agnes Mitchell, who is in her eighties, is “going stir crazy” after being confined to her second-floor flat at Raithwaite House since last Monday.
Beyond Housing says the lift was due to be fixed on Tuesday but Agnes’ family are worried it could be longer.
Her daughter, Ronda Mitchell, said: “It’s such a hot flat, she’s got fans but the windows only open so far.
“She’s absolutely bored and doesn’t know what to do with herself. Imagine being stuck in a onebedroom flat, especially in this heat.”
“We are on day nine,” she continued, “they came with some support parts yesterday but they were the wrong ones.
“She’s 85, she doesn’t go far but she likes to go for a newspaper, a pint of milk or just to get out.
“She has no internet and limited TV since the mast went down, she’s got nothing to do.
“She can’t even get to the library to get some books.”
Ronda said there are four residents at Raithwaite House who are disabled and “can’t get out”.
“There’s one girl who can use the stairs, she’s knocking on doors and getting bits and pieces for people. I’m scared it’s going to be another week, then we’ll be on to day 17 or 18 of them being trapped.
“The lift part needed an update, it didn’t break down. Surely they’ve got the technology to know what parts are needed beforehand.
“I don’t think any consideration has been given to who actually lives in these flats.”
It’s understood residents were informed about the repairs a week before work started on the lifts.
A spokesperson for Beyond Housing, said: “The lift at Raithwaite House has been out of action since last Monday awaiting essential parts to make it safe for residents. The works will be completed today.”