DISABLED residents living in a block of flats have been left 'disgusted' at being 'trapped' in their homes after the block's only lift was broken for more than a week.

The lift in the block of the flats in the Winklebury Centre stopped working on Friday, July 21, meaning some disabled residents have been unable to leave their homes until it was fixed earlier this week.

According to residents, the fault was reported on July 21 and again on July 23, but housing association VIVID Housing, which manages the building, said the lift was unable to be fixed because of a part that was needed to carry out the necessary repairs would not be available for more than a week.

However, the repair visit only highlighted further issues.

VIVID Housing said in a statement: “On July 28, the contractor attended to fit the new parts, which unfortunately highlighted another damaged component that was only visible once the lift was moved.

“This part is no longer produced, and needs to be custom made.

“We hope to source the part within ten days and fix the lift as soon as possible.”

Residents have reported that the lift was fixed on Monday, August 1, a full 12 days after the fault was first reported.

Speaking before the repair, one disabled resident, who wishes to stay anonymous said: “I have been unable to leave my flat since Friday because I’m not able to use the stairs and live near the top of the building.

“I cannot do anything, it has left me unable to function.”

The resident, who has been relying on friends to bring food to her flat added: “It has left me devastated, I’m upset that it has got to this point and I’m more upset that no one from VIVID can be bothered to check we are all okay, I’m absolutely disgusted."

A neighbour has said that it has been difficult to get a bike down the stairs while another disabled neighbour has been dragging their walking frame up the stairs along with multiple bags of shopping.

VIVID housing added: “Last week, we attempted to visit each resident in person to make them aware of this further delay and to offer any support with the daily tasks that may be difficult without the use of a lift.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”