A group of elderly residents in Hampton were left stranded after not having a usable lift for almost one month.

The residents live in an OAP block at Mary Rose Close. The lift in their three-floor block of flats was broken for almost a month.

Thames Valley Housing association were informed of this, but it took three and a half weeks to get fixed. The lift has now been fixed but residents said to the Richmond and Twickenham Times that it is a health hazard because the lift does not sit flush to the ground.

One resident, Paul Jedzinski, 70, said: “Most of the people in the block are elderly and cannot get up and down stairs, especially with their shopping. I have had to use a rope to get shopping up to my flat.

“We have had lift engineers in pretty much every other day, but it is still broken. People are struggling, especially those in their 90s. It shouldn’t take this long to get it fixed.”

Several residents said they were not able to leave their flat which left them feeling depressed. John, 95, lives on the top floor. He said: “I need two walking sticks, so it is almost impossible to walk downstairs. I haven’t been able to leave my flat for three weeks.

“I would be better off in prison. At least I would see more people and get some daily fresh air!”

Joan, 69, struggles with osteoporosis, she said: “I am having to go shopping more regularly because I can’t lift my week's shopping. It is really painful on my knees and I was scared to fall on the concrete stairs.”

A spokesperson from Thames Valley Housing apologised for the inconvenience caused and will offer compensation once the situation has been resolved.

At the time of publishing, they said engineers were on site fixing the problem.