Hackney (Parliament Politics Magazine) – In the Yeates building, after the lift broke down more than four weeks ago at Malcolm House, a disabled man had to miss a doctor visit and have his groceries delivered by Uber Eats.
Stephen Yeates, who is a resident of Malcolm House on the Arden Estate for 25 years, complains that he has been stuck in his flat since December.
He disclosed that he has several health problems and is unable to walk. Speaking of his fear of getting hurt, he revealed that he becomes “terrified” when he climbs stairs.
How are the residents affected by the broken lift?
A damaged elevator that has significantly disrupted tenants’ everyday lives, particularly for the elderly and disabled, has drawn criticism from Hackney Council from the tenant of the Arden Estate.
He added that other residents are irritated by the malfunctioning lift, including an elderly woman who needs assistance from her neighbours to climb the steps to her fourth-floor apartment.
“The big question is – how does it take so long to fix a lift?”, he said.
“They expect me to walk up and down the stairs but I’m terrified. They’re concrete and have sharp edges.
“I’m having to use Uber Eats to get my food, which is so expensive, and I’ve also missed a cardiologist appointment.
“Not once have I had someone give me a call and ask me if I’m OK. We are being abandoned”
“We’re getting work done that is sub-standard and dangerous,” Mr Yeates stated. “When I contact Hackney, all I get is a load of gobbledegook and at the end of it not one thing is a solution.”
Mr. Yeates went on to say that the lift problem was just one of many routinely ignored repair issues at Arden.
What was the response by Hackney Council after being contacted about the issue?
In order to manage their own buildings, homeowners established a tenant management organisation (TMO) to handle some repairs on the estate.
However, Hackney, not the TMO, is responsible for maintaining lifts and drainpipes, according to a “repairs matrix” on the council’s website.
Steve Waddington, the council’s strategic director of housing services, stated that the lift was repaired on Wednesday, January 8, after a replacement part was sent after the council was informed regarding the problems.
He went on to say: “We regret the delays with the lift at Malcolm House and appreciate residents’ patience while we get the issue resolved.
“The lift contractor attended on December 9 but was initially delayed due to rubbish blocking access to the lift
“Once the area was cleared, a fault was identified with the lift, and while a temporary repair was made, the part needed was ordered.
“On December 12, the lift unfortunately failed again, and another part was needed which has further delayed us being able to repair the lift.”
What steps is Hackney Council taking to resolve lift problems?
The Arden Estate has experienced persistent infrastructural problems, particularly with lift performance, like many other Hackney municipal estates. individuals claim that the lift has been broken for a long time, forcing individuals who live on higher floors—including the elderly and disabled—to use the stairs.
The council’s management of lift maintenance came under fire in 2020 after a resident passed away, raising questions about how the council handled complaints about broken lifts.
In September 2024, Hackney Council announced that it would upgrade its old lift equipment with an investment of £24 million over the next four years.
The persistent issues with the lifts at Arden Estate are reflective of a broader trend of poor maintenance and neglect in Hackney’s social housing structure.
My 91 yr old grandma, having to walk up several flights of stairs because @hackneycouncil cant sort out their lifts. Please retweet and share! Something needs to be done. 😤⚔️ pic.twitter.com/Ri5qJX4LIC
— Jordan Thompson 🎭 (@jordan_boxing93) August 24, 2020
In order to protect the safety and wellbeing of its tenants, the council must continue to act quickly to address the concerns raised by locals for improved living circumstances.