During a recent heatwave, elderly tenants at Robert Harvey House, a five-storey retirement apartment block in Cheltenham, found themselves forced to stay home or use the stairs due to both lifts breaking down. The block, managed by Cheltenham Borough Council, has experienced a series of ongoing maintenance issues, leaving residents feeling trapped and vulnerable.
One lift had been out of service for approximately two weeks before the second broke down last week, exacerbating difficulties for residents, many of whom have limited mobility. The front door intercom system, installed in September last year, has also malfunctioned, leaving tenants feeling cut off from visitors and essential services.
Sara Haines, whose parents Heather and Dave Ward live at the complex, expressed deep concern over the safety and wellbeing of residents. She highlighted instances where carers and cleaners struggled to gain access, and described how necessary items like beds and medical equipment had to be carried up multiple flights of stairs. She also raised security concerns after reports of stolen parcels and a lack of clear signage warning residents about the faults.
READ MORE: Woman Seriously Injured After Being Hit by Mercedes on Forest of Dean Driveway
READ MORE: Medical Equipment Struggles as Gloucestershire Hospitals Face Record Heatwave Challenges
Cheltenham Borough Council issued a sincere apology to tenants, assuring that resident safety remains their highest priority. A spokesperson explained that while one lift was repaired quickly after the second broke down last week, the other requires further work that will be completed shortly. Safeguarding checks were carried out proactively to assist residents during the disruption.
Regarding the intercom system, the council has made multiple repair attempts and now awaits installation of a new control panel to resolve ongoing problems. They thanked residents for their patience and encouraged anyone needing urgent repairs to contact the council directly.
This situation underscores the vital importance of prompt and effective maintenance in housing for vulnerable elderly residents, particularly during extreme weather events.