New hope for residents stranded because of broken lift

A NEW date for the installation of a replacement lift at a residence for the elderly in Thame, has given new hope to elderly and infirm people who have been virtual prisoners in their own flats for seven months.(See previous posting)

Mrs Jean Edwards who lives on the first floor of Sharman Beer Court – Image Copyright Thame.Net

Otis Lifts, who told Thame.Net that they recently took over the contract for the work which was originally commissioned in November 2013, have now said that the work to install a new lift will begin on June 2. Two previous dates had been and gone, one in March this year, and another on May 19. No explanation as to the cause of the delays was given to the residents and none has been given so far, adding to the distress of those, particularly in wheelchairs, who have been unable to leave their flats unless relatives have carried them downstairs in their wheelchairs.

Veronica Edwards, whose Mother-in-law, Jean Edwards, lives at Sharman Beer Court, and who wrote to the local media about her plight, said this afternoon: “I would like to thank Thame.Net and the people of Thame for all their help in trying to help us and for spreading the word about this. I am so relieved to hear the news; it will make such a difference to the lives of Jean and the others.”

Earlier in the day, before a new date was finally established , a spokesperson for Sanctuary Housing had said: “The residents of Sharman Beer Court own their homes and this means that the law requires they’re consulted in a prescribed way before works can begin. This is to ensure they have an opportunity to influence any works carried out along with the choice of contractor. Through this process, residents chose to replace, rather than repair the lift. Under current legislation if they wish to change supplier or repair the lift instead, we would need to consult once again which would create further delays.

“We were informed late last week that the residents’ chosen contractor was unable to begin work on Monday, May 19, as agreed, but are keeping residents informed and doing everything possible to ensure the works take place as quickly as possible.

“We are seeking clarification as to the reasons behind the delay and pushing for a firm start date. In the meantime stair lifts have been installed at the scheme to help residents get out and about while the lift is being replaced.”

The many people of Thame, including the town’s ex Mayor, Peter Lambert, who have expressed their concern via social media over the past 24 hours, will no doubt be crossing their fingers and watching the situation closely to see if indeed, some of the town’s most vunerable residents, will get their lives back shortly after June 2.