A resident at the Ty Derw retirement housing complex in Sketty, Swansea, found herself in a frustrating situation after a broken lift left her stuck in her flat for six days. Sonia James, a 63-year-old woman with various health conditions that prevent her from using the stairs, expressed feelings of being “stir crazy” due to the out-of-order lift. The lift malfunction affected several residents in the building, prompting concerns about their mobility and access to essential services.
Ms. James, who lives alone on the third floor, recounted the ongoing issue with the lift, which was supposed to be fixed by various deadlines that were continuously postponed. Despite having carers assisting her with daily tasks, the prolonged confinement has taken a toll on Ms. James both physically and mentally. She emphasized the impact on her well-being and everyday routine, as well as the financial aspect of paying rent that includes service charges for the functioning of the lift.
Another resident, Robert McVey, in his 70s, shared his frustration at feeling “stranded” in his apartment due to the faulty lift. The housing association responsible for the building, Caredig, acknowledged the problem and assured residents that replacement parts were on order and scheduled to be installed soon. They emphasized their commitment to resolving the issue promptly and ensuring the health and safety of all tenants in the complex, despite the inconvenience caused by the lift breakdown.
As residents of the Ty Derw complex continue to navigate the challenges posed by the non-functional lift, the housing association has maintained communication with them to address any urgent needs or requests for assistance. While efforts are being made to rectify the situation and provide necessary support to those affected, the incident serves as a reminder of the essential role that functional infrastructure plays in ensuring the well-being and accessibility of residents in shared living spaces
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
