ELDERLY residents have been left trapped in their homes by a frequently breaking lift, a concerned relative has said.

Jean O'Donnell, whose mother lives at Eastwood Court, in Deal Street, has hit out the estate's owners, Irwell Valley Homes, saying the faulty lift has become a "big problem", as several residents are unable to move up and down the stairs.

The lift is the only one servicing the building and provides the only accessible exit route for resident's with mobility issues.

The lift has now broken for the third time in a year, and requires a part from the USA ­— meaning it was unable to be fixed for several days.

Ms O'Donnell, said that the current issue has meant her mother has had to miss appointments, adding: "There have been constant issues with the lift. My mother lives there and has done for a long time and she had to be rescued by the fire brigade because of this lift.

"People with mobility issues can't leave because they can't get up and down the stairs.

"It's important to get this resolved because there are people of varying ages in there and this impacts on their lives and mental health if they can't get out."

Irwell Valley Homes have said they are aware of the current issue and are making attempts to repair it.

Over the weekend Irwell Valley staff also visited Eastwood Court to offer residents support with errands such as washing and shopping.

However, the company confirmed that the lift had previously broken twice in the last 12 months ­— both of which had been repaired within two days.

They added that servicing and repairs for the lift are outsourced to 24 hour repair firm, Concept Elevators, who are contracted to carry out monthly checks and ensure the lift is in good working condition.

Andrew White, head of independent and community living at Irwell Valley Homes, said: “We are extremely sorry that the lift at Eastwood Court is broken.

"We understand that this is extremely inconvenient for residents and appreciate the difficulties that this presents to some of our customers there.

"We are supporting all of the residents during this time, offering practical help, as well as doing everything we can to get this fixed as quickly as possible.”