Michael Coulson and Des Marshall at Argenta House

TENANTS living in a sheltered housing block have raised serious concerns about their safety after being told the building’s only lift will be out of action for up to four months.

Residents in Argenta House, a council-run scheme in Belsize Park with 28 flats, say prolonged works will leave many trapped in their homes when they begin on March 13.

Many are over the age of 80, relying on wheelchairs and walkers.

Des Marshall, who has lived in the block for 15 years, said: “They said they would put fold-up chairs on every floor so that when you go up to the next floor you can sit down, that’s all they have done in terms of reassurance.

“But that is according to market availability so they might not even do that. It’s crazy, they are expecting us to walk up the stairs but we won’t be able to.

“Many of the residents on the top floors won’t leave their flats, some are in wheelchairs or walkers, how will they get out?”

Michael Coulson, who has lived in Argenta House for 12 years and lives on the top floor, said the lift was a “lifeline” for residents.

Argenta House

Mr Coulson, who paints model historical figures in his spare time, said: “I’ve worked out that if the lift is out for three months I will traverse the stairs over a 100 times.

“I am concerned about not having it. At my age, my knees and hips are temperamental. One-hundred trips up and down and a lot of those trips are carrying shopping. How will we manage?

“One tenant needs bottled water. Are they going to carry up litres and litres of water a week? They told us the lift engineers would help us carry our shopping, but instead of carrying shopping they could get the job done in weeks and not months.”

Every Friday, many of the residents gather in the communal hall to have tea, but they warned that if the lift is out of order, many will be unable to attend at risk of social isolation.

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, added: “It is falling on deaf ears with the council. We worry about not being able to socialise or not getting your mail. These things that seem small will be on people’s minds and mentally will affect residents, it’s inhumane.”

Mr Marshall added: “We know there may need to be work done on the lift but four months is ridiculous.

“I asked if whilst the lift is out of action that we could put a stairwell in, but Camden Council said that was not viable. It makes you think they just want to have a long contract with the lift company as it’s cheaper for them. Any other lift company would ask how the tenants are going to get up and down the stairs during this time.”

A Camden Council spokesperson said: “We recognise how important the lift at Argenta House is to residents’ independence and wellbeing.

“Because this is a major upgrade rather than a minor repair, the work will take longer than usual. During this time, we are making sure residents receive individually tailored support, including help with shopping and heavy items, regular welfare checks, safe rest points on stairwells, and access to 24-hour support and alternative accommodation if required.

“Residents who receive adult social care support are also being contacted to ensure they have any additional help they may need to continue living independently and well while the lift upgrade is completed.”