Elderly residents 'trapped' in Hemel Hempstead flats as lift stops working

Elderly tenants have been 'trapped' in their flats for several days after the lift in their Adeyfield building stopped working.
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One Evelyn Sharp House resident, a 97-year-old woman, has limited mobility and relies on the lift - which has been out of order for almost a week - as she cannot climb the stairs.

And her daughter, Melissa Davis, said there were several other elderly people in the building who were similarly affected.

Dacorum Borough Council, who run the sheltered accommodation, say the lift was closed for "safety reasons", and is waiting for a replacement part from a "European manufacturer".

Evelyn Sharp HouseEvelyn Sharp House
Evelyn Sharp House

Mrs Davis, speaking to the Gazette, said: "It's absolutely disgraceful that sheltered accommodation lifts have not been working since Thursday.

"My 97-year-old mum lives on the first floor and she can't get out of the property like many others with limited mobility."

"She has missed going to her Age UK group twice now because of the lift.

Mrs Davis says the building has a second lift, but it has been out of order for 'years'.

"How can a council not have a risk assessment for the company who services these lifts to hold parts in stock to avoid this shocking situation," the 54-year-old added.

"The council need to pull their finger out and get things moving for the elderly which are basically trapped."

Dacorum Borough Council said it was informed of issues with the main passenger lift on Thursday morning, January 9.

A spokesman said: "Our lift contractor worked for three hours to diagnose the problem with the intention of returning the lift to full service.

"Unfortunately, a defective part was identified and the lift was put out of operation for safety reasons.

"A replacement part has been sourced and ordered from a European manufacturer and we are waiting for delivery so that we can return the lift to full operating action.

"The scheme manager and care staff are fully aware of the situation and are assisting our residents where possible carrying shopping and assisting residents on the stairs.

"Residents have been asked to use their lifeline pendants if they require any help.

"If a resident requires a GP appointment home visits will be carried out by the GP. We apologise to our tenants who have been affected.”