‘Trapped’ residents keep missing bingo and smoke in their homes

Vulnerable residents have been left "trapped in their homes" after a lift in their apartment block broke down.

People living at Maritime Grange in Wallasey^[1], claim a broken lift is causing huge problems for tenants, especially disabled residents, with one woman resorting to smoking in her flat that resulted in a fire breaking out. Residents at the block on Borough Road, in Seacombe, claim it's not the first time they've had to complain to landlord Regenda Housing about the lift, as it is continually breaking down.

Elaine O'Brien, who said: "This is the seventh time it's happened since around June. Regenda changed repair company, apparently to a cheaper option, and that's when all the problems started. Now one of the engineers from the repair company said that Regenda is refusing to pay them.

"On Saturday morning at about 1am, the fire brigade knocked on my door. The woman across the hall from me, who can't get downstairs, was smoking in her room, fell asleep and there was a fire.

Ms O'Brien, 70, continued: "We have bingo downstairs, which is the highlight of many people's weeks, but now anyone who needs to use the lift is left out. We're all absolutely devastated. We pay service charges and rent's gone up. The situation's terrible for all of us."

Elaine was on the phone to Regenda this week, were she says a staff member "apologised" but "didn't say" when the problem would be resolved.

A spokesperson for Regenda Homes said: “On Friday November 3, we were made aware that the lift at Maritime Grange had broken down. We have authorised the repair works today (Monday November 6) and we are working with our contractor to resolve this matter as soon as possible. We will keep residents updated on timescales.

"We are in the process of speaking to all residents on the upper floors of Maritime Grange to offer additional support for our vulnerable residents during this time.

"Residents are able to smoke within their own home at Maritime Grange and we have robust measures in place to ensure fire safety.”

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References

1. ^{^} Wallasey (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
2. ^{^} Man fighting for his life after being hit by car (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
3. ^{^} Do you remember these 30 lost shops in Liverpool? (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
4. ^{^} The Liverpool Daily Post newsletter delves into the biggest stories on Merseyside (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)