‘Disgrace’ as broken lift leaves elderly residents stranded at Brick Kiln Place in Grantham
Elderly tenants have been unable to leave their homes for almost three weeks after the lift in their assisted living complex was left broken down.
Relatives of two tenants, who asked to remain anonymous, shared their concerns about the lift, in Brick Kiln Place, in Grantham.
After being contacted by the Journal, Lace Housing, which oversees Brick Kiln Place, said the lift will be “returned to service” later today (Tuesday).
One of the relatives of a tenant said it was a “disgrace” it was left for so long.
They added: “It infuriates me. My relative has her independence but she cannot have it at all at the moment.”
The relative of another tenant said: “Some of the residents have been stuck upstairs, and others who were downstairs have had to find temporary accommodation.”
Nick Chambers, chief executive officer for Lace Housing, confirmed that Stannah Lift Services Ltd had “successfully sourced an appropriate part, installed and advised the association that it is hoped that the lift will return into service later today”.
He added: “In the meantime, a number of tenants and leaseholders continue to use the provision of a stairlift and meet together socially within communal facilities located on each floor where coffee, cake, biscuits and ice cream has been provided.
“Ordered meals have also been delivered to each apartment. Despite our charitable status, where necessary, we have secured alternative accommodation and incurred the cost for a small number of tenants.
“Support staff have been in attendance seven days a week communicating with both tenants, relatives and friends on a regular basis, facilitating visits, shopping, coordinating the delivery of medication and arranging any appointments.
“We wish to record our most sincere appreciation to our staff team at Brick Kiln Place for their amazing work and for the patience, support and understanding of our tenants and leaseholders.”
Stannah Lift Services Ltd said the repair was “complex” and involved “sourcing and replacement of a number of key parts including the motor unit”.
A spokesperson for the lift services added: “Our engineers have been on site every working day since the fault was notified to us, bar one when waiting for delivery of the motor unit.
“Despite our best efforts, the lift has been out of service for some time. We have engineers on site today and would like to reassure the residents that our team are doing everything that they can to complete the repairs.
“We understand how important the lift is and we apologise to both the management at Lace Housing Association and the residents at Brick Kiln Place for the disruption this has caused.”
