FEARS over the safety of residents at sheltered accommodation in Wrexham are mounting following sustained issues with the lift on site. 

Concerns are being raised about the lift at Springfield sheltered housing in Rhosddu.

The site is one of Wrexham Council's many sheltered accommodation buildings across the city, which home residents aged over 60. 

Springfield is a three-story building, with a lift provided to assist residents with mobility issues getting up and down the stairs.

The Leader: Springfield accommodation Wrexham Springfield accommodation Wrexham (Image: Google Maps)

As a result of the faulty lift, it is claimed that on multiple occasions residents have been stuck inside, requiring the fire service to get them out. 

When the lift is then placed out of use, residents have had problems dealing with the flights of stairs. 

Over the past six months issues with the lift have become more "frequent" according to one resident, who wished to remain anonymous. 

They said: "I've been a resident at Springfield for about 18 months and the lift breakdowns have started to get more frequent.

"I have been trapped in the lift twice and the fire brigade have had to get me out. It's not just me, but other residents too.

"Just before Christmas, it began breaking down weekly or more, causing elderly vulnerable residents to use the stairs, some having to use them backward and taking their walking aids down.

"The council has said a new lift is out of the question and seem willing to put the safety and lives of residents at risk."

The daughter of the resident who spoke to the Leader blasted the "unacceptable" nature of the lift problems and said it is "only a matter of time" before a serious injury occurs at the site.

She said: "The way that mum has been left stranded is unacceptable, fobbed off at every opportunity by Wrexham Council who have themselves in writing advised the lift will not be replaced due to cost. 

"I can see it’s directly affecting her mental health, if she can get out she’s left panicking about being able to get back into her home. 

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"I know my parents are not the only people affected, as Springfield is Sheltered accommodation, with a large majority of residents using walking aids and relying on the lift to move safely between floors.

"I have spoken to the lift engineer on many occasions and they have told me the lift is so old they no longer make vital elements and that it needs to be replaced, Wrexham Council is well aware of this.

"It is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or worse as a result of their negligence."

Lead member for housing at Wrexham Council Cllr David Bithell said: “We have received complaints about a faulty lift and are currently looking at the issues raised by our contract holders.”