FridayOL

A heartbroken Southampton veteran is facing an unprecedented ordeal, confined to his flat for seven long weeks due to a persistently broken lift. Terry Manley, 82, a lifelong resident of the city, is struggling with isolation and dwindling independence as he awaits repairs to the essential piece of equipment.

Manley, a proud Southampton native, has lived in his flat for many years and has always cherished his independence. However, the malfunctioning lift has effectively trapped him within his home, severely restricting his access to essential amenities, fresh air, and social interaction. He's described the situation as feeling “imprisoned,” highlighting the profound impact it's having on his mental and physical wellbeing.

“It’s just awful, you know,” Manley explained. “I can’t get out to do my shopping, see my friends, or even just have a walk in the park. I feel like I’m stuck in a box.” The situation has become increasingly distressing, particularly as Manley relies on the lift to navigate the multiple floors of his building.

The lift broke down initially several weeks ago, and despite repeated reports to the building management, repairs have been slow and inconsistent. Manley expressed his frustration with the lack of progress and the limited communication regarding the estimated repair timeline. “They keep saying they’re working on it, but nothing seems to happen,” he lamented. “I’m just left here, waiting and worrying.”

This situation is not only impacting Manley's quality of life but also raising serious concerns about the welfare of vulnerable residents in buildings with essential accessibility features. Local community groups and concerned neighbours have rallied around Manley, offering assistance with grocery shopping and companionship, but they emphasize that this is a temporary solution and the root of the problem – the faulty lift – needs to be addressed urgently.

The case has drawn attention to the importance of proactive maintenance and swift repairs for essential building services, especially in properties housing elderly or disabled residents. Housing associations and landlords have a responsibility to ensure the safety and accessibility of their buildings, and this incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting those responsibilities.

Local authorities are now being urged to investigate the situation and ensure that building management takes immediate action to resolve the lift issue and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Terry Manley’s story is a poignant illustration of the challenges faced by older individuals who rely on accessible infrastructure, and a call for greater accountability and responsiveness from those responsible for maintaining it.

We are appealing to anyone with information regarding the lift repair schedule or who can offer further assistance to Terry Manley to contact [Contact Information/Local News Outlet].