Littlehampton pensioner ‘miserable and lonely’ after broken lift traps her inside

A pensioner faces being trapped indoors or tackling the stairs after waiting weeks for her lift to be repaired.
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Eve Rhodes, 89, lives on the first floor of flats in Irvine Road, Littlehampton, and relied on the lift to get outside.

Four weeks ago the lift broke, leaving Eve stuck inside a lot more.

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“I am someone who likes to get up and go and that lift was a lifesaver for me,” said Eve, who has lived in her flat for 20 years.

Evelyn Rhodes, lives at St Catherine's Court in Littlehampton and is concerned because she has mobility issues and the lift has been broken for some time. Pic Steve Robards SR2102161 SUS-210216-143301001Evelyn Rhodes, lives at St Catherine's Court in Littlehampton and is concerned because she has mobility issues and the lift has been broken for some time. Pic Steve Robards SR2102161 SUS-210216-143301001
Evelyn Rhodes, lives at St Catherine's Court in Littlehampton and is concerned because she has mobility issues and the lift has been broken for some time. Pic Steve Robards SR2102161 SUS-210216-143301001

“Because of the state of my back and my legs, now it’s a little bit more difficult. But no-one wants to just sit in their flat all the time.”

Recently, she has been forced to use the stairs, gripping the handrails with both hands and risking a fall that could have disastrous consequences. It also means she is not able to carry shopping bags.

A stairlift was installed last week by housing provider Anchor Hanover, but Eve said no-one has shown her how to use it.

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She said she was told by Anchor Hanover once work starts on the lift repair, it could be another six to eight weeks before it is fixed.

Not only does she live alone, her two daughters are unable to help her, with one in Australia and another with learning difficulties.

The atmosphere in the block is ‘rather miserable and lonely’, she said. Many of the older residents have been forced to shield, the communal lounge sits empty and stopping for a chat in the corridors is no longer allowed.

“It’s had quite an effect on my mind,” said Eve. “I’m quite depressed and bothered about it all.”

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Tammy Carter, Anchor Hanover’s area manager for the flats where Eve lives, apologised for the inconvenience and said the company was working to resolve the matter.

“As soon as we were notified that the lift had broken down, we took immediate action,” she said. “We informed our maintenance contractor who attended and advised parts were required. Unfortunately the delivery of these parts are delayed due to the pandemic, as soon as the parts arrive it will be installed.”

Residents have been notified that a stair lift has been installed in the interim, with a guide and demonstration provided.”

Further demonstrations would be given, she added.