Residents fear being 'stuck' when lift replaced
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Elderly residents of a six-storey block of flats say they fear being trapped inside their homes when the building's lift is replaced.
Hanover House, in Portishead, is a block of housing for over-55s managed by Anchor Hanover Group.
The housing provider repaired the lift when it broke down recently, but it now plans to replace the lift entirely and says it will support residents during the work.
Malcolm James, 80, has mobility issues and lives on the fourth floor of the building. He says he fears being forced to live elsewhere while the work is carried out.
"I think for people who are really stuck, they will 'farm us out' to their other place in Clevedon," he said.
"I don't want to move, I have my doctor, my dentist and my friends in Portishead."
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Rowena Hindle, operations manager for Hanover House, reassured residents the lift is currently working. She said the firm is reviewing options to replace it as part of its programme of planned works.
"As part of our ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for residents, we are exploring options for replacing the lift," she added.
"We will ensure residents are fully supported during any work that takes place."
The building in Friary Road houses older residents, including many who depend on the lift due to their age or health issues.
When the lift broke down last month, some residents were unable to leave their homes.
The lift was repaired within two weeks, but the planned replacement is causing fresh anxiety for some.
Ann Baker suggested a temporary stairlift should be installed.
"I'm alright going down, but I can't get back up because of my breathing," she said. "We're stuck here."
Anchor Hanover Group has not yet confirmed the exact start date for the lift replacement but says it is working to support residents during the disruption.
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