'Broken lift is affecting my health' says resident

A man in his 80s living on the top floor of an assisted living complex says he has been unable to leave his home for six weeks due to the lift needing to be repaired.

Operators The Guinness Partnership confirmed "extensive damage" had been done to the doors of the lift at The Ridings in Swindon in an incident at the beginning of July.

Resident Alan Wells, 84, told BBC Wiltshire he was one of about 20 people on his floor of the two-storey building and said he felt his health was declining "because I can't get out".

A spokesperson for the operators apologised for the inconvenience and said the repairs included "custom manufacture", adding the lift was expected to be working again by next week.

Wells said he usually goes out twice a day.

"[I like] being able to meet people and talk to different people," he said.

"I've missed five health appointments - and I have problems with my stomach and ears."

Fellow resident Pauline Edwards said she has poor mobility and having to use the stairs has affected her routine.

"I have to add extra time to get to the bus stop," she said.

It has also impacted her energy, "particularly in this hot weather".

Wells said the complex should have emergency parts for the lift as well as a backup option if it is unavailable.

The Guinness Partnership said it is "exploring the installation of a stairlift to make things easier for residents, if the main lift is out of service again".

They added: "We have been in regular contact with the residents affected and carried out regular welfare checks, we expect the lift to be back in service next week."

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