A DISABLED Hull widow says she feels like a "captive" at a north Hull sheltered housing complex, where a lift has been out of action for the past month.
Doreen Clark, 89, who suffers from arthritis and heart problems, says she relies on the lift at Ada Holmes Circle in Greenwood Avenue because she uses a wheelchair.
On Thursday, a letter was delivered to her flat, informing her that the lift would not be fixed until the week commencing December 1.
Mrs Clark, whose husband Stanley died in 2002 from stomach cancer attributed to his time spent as a German prisoner of war, said: "I feel like a captive in my own home. I can't leave the flat and it is really getting me and others down."
Her son, Chris Clark, 45, who lives in Saltaire, West Yorkshire, said: "I am frustrated more than I am angry that contingency plans have not been put in place.
"I don't know why they couldn't have installed a temporary stair lift on the two flights of stairs, so at least residents in the 38 flats affected could have left their homes.
"My mum has had to cancel two hospital appointments and she wasn't able to attend the Remembrance Sunday parade in the city centre last week."
Mrs Clark was sent the letter from Paula Kelly, director of housing at Pickering and Ferens Homes, the housing association that runs Ada Holmes Circle.
Ms Kelly wrote: "I am writing to update you on the current situation with repairs to the lift at Ada Holmes Circle and to advise that unfortunately there has been a number of issues encountered when trying to repair the lift in recent weeks.
"This has mainly been due to the age of the lift, the parts required not being readily available and further faults found when the parts have been sourced and fitted.
"The order has now been placed for parts that are presently required to fix the lift. We have been informed by the contractor, Pickering Lifts, that these parts should resolve the problems currently being experienced.
"I do have to advise further, however, that unfortunately due to the ordering times and allowing time for the repairs to be carried out, it is anticipated that the lift will continue to be out of action until the week commencing December 1."
Ms Kelly said Pickering and Ferens was working to resolve the problem as "speedily as possible" and apologised for the inconvenience.
She asked any resident who needed help with shopping or attending appointments to contact the warden, Kath Byford.
Mr Clark stressed his mother, a resident at the complex since September, had no issue with the standard of care or accommodation.
