THE tower block lift which broke down, leaving a disabled woman a prisoner in her own home, has been repaired.
Rose Selway, 58, of Garibaldi House, Grimsby, is relieved that the lift is now back up and running.
And residents have also been cheered by the news that the 50-year-old lift – along with those in the neighbouring tower blocks – is to be replaced.
The lift, which stops at even-numbered floors, had been out of order since December 22. It was finally repaired last Friday.
The breakdown left cerebella ataxia sufferer Rose trapped on the 10th floor – as she was unable to negotiate the stairs to use the other lift, which stops at odd-numbered floors.
Rose said: "I am very relieved that the lift has been repaired. I went out with my neighbour on Saturday and again today. It was nice to get out of the flat."
Shoreline chief executive Tony Bramley said: "While it was most regrettable that the time of year meant the lift was out of order for longer than we would have liked, we treat all lift breakdowns as a priority.
"However, we also realise that these lifts have not been replaced since the blocks were first built in the 1960s and because of their age breakdowns are more likely to occur.
"We have £17.5 million set aside for works to all the services of these blocks, including the lifts, and will in due course discuss the implications of this with our residents before we implement the replacement work over the next few years.
"In the meantime, we will strive to try to keep the multi-storey lifts in good, safe, working order."
Ward councillor Steve Beasant said he was "over the moon" at the announcement.
"We are coming up to 50 years' service from these lifts and a replacement is long overdue.
"It is a belated Christmas present for the residents of the six tower blocks," he said.
