Lift fault strands elderly Newcastle couple in flat
- Published
An elderly Tyneside couple have been stranded inside their third-floor flat for almost three weeks because of a broken lift.
Bob and Dorothy Kirby, both 90, have lived at the Anchor sheltered housing complex in Newcastle for 18 years.
Both have mobility problems and Mrs Kirby requires oxygen 16 hours a day. Family have been bringing food.
Anchor Housing have apologised and said the delay was due to problems acquiring a part from Germany for the lift.
The lift broke down on 7 October but repeated attempts to repair it have failed.
Mr Kirby can only walk with the aid of a stick and said he was fearful of falling should he attempt to use the stairs.
The couple's granddaughter Lindsey Lavery has criticised Anchor Housing for the delay and said the situation had reduced their quality of life.
Mr Kirby said: "I feel sorry for Dorothy because she is getting a bit depressed with it.
"I do feel stranded. We just want to be able to get out."
A spokesman for Anchor Housing said: "We are committed to providing a quality service for our tenants and we are sorry they have been inconvenienced.
"Our engineers attended and ordered a new part. Unfortunately, when they returned to fit the new parts they have identified additional faults.
"More new parts have had to be ordered from Germany. We hope the lift will be back in action as soon as possible."
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