The lift at Windmill Bridge House on Freemasons Road broke down on September 25 and was only repaired on October 1, leaving a 79-year-old resident unable to leave her flat.
(Image: Daniel Besser)
Family members say the repeated lift failures pose serious health and fire safety risks for residents who rely on mobility aids.
Helen Anderson, the woman’s daughter-in-law, told the Your Local Guardian: “She can’t get down the stairs on her walking frame.
“It’s dangerous and it’s the third time this has happened this year.
“What if there was a fire?”
Helen said that another resident who lives in the building is also in a wheelchair and needs the lift for mobility help.
Daniel Besser, whose mother also lives in the building, added: “It’s shocking that Croydon Council seems to have so little concern for disabled residents.
“Not having a working lift means some people literally can’t leave their flats for days.”
Daniel said that he later visited and discovered the lift had broken down again just days after being repaired.
He said: “The lift was only fixed last week.
“It shows how shoddy and half-hearted the council’s work is.
“My mother and other disabled residents will be trapped inside until the next patch-job is done.”
Windmill Bridge House has two lifts, one serving even floors and one serving odd floors, which are essential for residents using wheelchairs or walking frames.
Residents on higher floors face particular challenges, as climbing multiple flights of stairs can be physically impossible for some.
Helen said her mother-in-law has lived in the flat for around 15 years, and the repeated lift failures have caused both physical strain and emotional stress.
She said family members have had to consider whether it is even safe for her mother-in-law to remain in the flat during breakdowns.
The lift breakdown means residents have had to adjust daily routines because of the lifts, often delaying trips to doctors, shops, or social activities.
Some family members have considered trying to carry elderly or disabled relatives up and down stairs but say it is unsafe to attempt.
Daniel added: “God forbid there is a fire.
“It will be another Grenfell Tower.”
A spokesperson for Croydon Council said: “We are very sorry for the inconvenience that the problems with the lift service in Windmill Bridge House have caused our residents, particularly our vulnerable residents.
“We are committed to resolving repair issues within satisfactory timeframes and accept that on this occasion this has not been possible due to unforeseen issues.
“We are prioritising these repairs and have arranged for a technician to re-visit the block as a matter of urgency.
“They will ensure the issues are resolved as quickly as possible and to make a longer-term plan.”
