An elderly couple say they have been left all but “trapped” in their home because the lift in their building is constantly breaking down.
Diane Gordon, 79, and her husband, 81, say that their independence has been completely taken away as they cannot get down four flights of stairs.
Once independent, the Pimlico residents can no longer carry out basic tasks, such as going for a walk, taking out the rubbish or buying newspapers.
Family support crucial
“It would be pretty dismal without our family near us – we’re just grateful that they are,” said Mr Gordon.
Their daughter Jessica and her husband Richard, who both live on the same Peabody housing estate nearby, visit the couple daily to ensure they get some social interaction.
“I feel very sad and sorry for them. They’re isolated. They can’t go and see their friends,” she said.
Hobbies to pass time
Mrs Gordon tries to fill the long days stuck in the flat by painting and drawing.
The former teaching assistant used to run her school’s art club and her artwork has even featured in the Saatchi gallery.
“We do our best to keep going. I’ve got various hobbies that I do but that doesn’t take-up all my time,” she said.
Mr Gordon “gets bored easily” but tries to fill the time by completing DIY tasks around the flat.
“Brian used to go like each morning up to the corner shop to get his own paper and walk back and that was like his social bit of going out and seeing people and exercising,” said Richard.
Frequent breakdowns
The couple say that the lift breaks down several times a month, often for days at a time. The longest period it has been out of action is around eight days.
Having repeatedly reported the issue, they are now asking Peabody to rehouse them in a ground floor flat.
The constant break-downs mean that Mrs Gordon, who has a serious health condition, has also missed several hospital appointments due to the lift being out of service.
She is also unable to go on her daily walk, which she has been told by medical staff is essential for keeping up her strength.
“You don’t know when you can be [given another] appointment. It’s quite worrying,” she said.
Fear of being stranded
Even when the lift is working, the fear of being stuck outside often means that it is not worth leaving the flat.
Both Mr and Mrs Gordon have been left stranded upon returning home because the lift isn’t working.
Their landlord Peabody has put them up in a hotel when this has happened.
One time Jessica had taken Mrs Gordon out for the day to find that once again the lift wasn’t working when they returned.
“There was a Peabody meeting being held in Lillington Gardens. So I wheeled her around there in the wheelchair and I said to the panel somehow between you lot, you’ve got to arrange for my mum to get up four floors,” she said.
When this happens, it is especially difficult as Mrs Gordon uses a wheelchair so needs an accessible bathroom.
“Mum’s fine to come to my house, but I haven’t got what she needs at my house, her accessible needs,” said Jessica.
Richard, who works in maintenance, says that he does not believe the lift is being properly maintained.
When he called the auto-dialler in the shaft, he says he was linked to a company who told him they had not looked after the lift in six months.
Peabody responds
A spokesperson for Peabody said: “We’re very sorry for the problems with the lift and the impact this has had on Mr and Mrs Gordon and other residents.
“Our neighbourhood team has been checking in regularly to make sure people have the support they need.
“We’re already in touch with Mr and Mrs Gordon and will do everything we can to support them with their request to find a more suitable home.
“The lift has now been repaired and is working, and we are keeping a close eye on it.”
