RESIDENTS of a multi-storey retirement housing complex in Wimborne have been left without a working lift for more than a month – with the owners saying it can’t be fixed until November. 

One resident said living at Allen Court, off East Borough, is “like living in a cell” as people are unable to leave their rooms. 

A spokesperson for Aster, the company in charge of Allen Court, said they expect the lift to be back in service by “early November”. 

Allen Court resident Julie suffers from health problems and has been left room-bound for more than a month. 

Bournemouth Echo: Allen Court in Wimborne. Image from Google Street ViewAllen Court in Wimborne. Image from Google Street View (Image: NQ)

She said: “A month has gone now, and they said they were going to come back to me but they haven’t. 

“I’m being asked to do my washing and take my bin out, but I can’t do it because I can’t get downstairs.  

“I’ve been really ill and I’ve not had any help. I can hardly walk. I’m dying. I don’t know what to do anymore." 

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Cora Notley, who lives downstairs, has been making frequent journeys upstairs to help her neighbours and friends but does so with difficulty due to her own ill health. 

Mrs Notley said: “There are several residents upstairs who cannot get out of their rooms. One requires a walking frame to walk and she can't get it down the stairs.  

“This is not right. We are all trapped inside our homes. 

“When I come up to see people, I can’t quite make it because I have a heart problem and am diabetic. Trying to get upstairs is really difficult. But nobody can go out. It’s like living in a cell. Nobody helps us." 

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Mrs Notley said residents are still paying rent in full and that being “trapped” in their rooms is making them “depressed” and is “cruel”. 

“It has been a month and I was told by the people in charge that they will not be finished until December,” she added. 

“They said they were going to move people into another accommodation, but then they said they can’t find anywhere for people to go. There is also nothing in place to help people get downstairs.” 

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An Aster Group spokesperson said the safety of its customers is their “top priority”, adding: “The modernisation of lifts is part of our work to ensure our homes are safe, secure and of a standard our customers expect.  

“The lift at Allen Court was scheduled for renovation but unfortunately failed before this work could take place.  

“We understand that this can be distressing to the people who live in Allen Court.  

“All residents have received a visit from an Aster representative prior to the renovation work starting and are receiving weekly welfare visits and support whilst the work takes place. This includes the delivery of food and shopping and help with their mobility in and out of the building. Where needed we have offered alternative accommodation. 

“We have two teams of engineers working on the lift and expect it to be back in service by early November.”