ANGRY residents in a high-rise block of flats have hit out at the housing group that runs them following a string of problems which left some people 'trapped' in their homes.

Tenants at nine-storey Ebor Court say one of the two lifts was out of action for months – and the other also failed, leaving less-mobile residents unable to get out of the building.

Incommunities, which manages the flats in Westgate Gardens, Keighley, said it was attempting to fix the problems and apologised "for the inconvenience".

One resident, who didn't want to be named for fear his tenancy could be affected, said complaints had "fallen on deaf ears".

"One of the lifts was out of action for almost six months," he said.

"They repaired it a handful of times, and on each occasion it only worked for two or three hours before breaking down again.

"Numerous residents reported it and complained many, many times, yet it seemed to fall on deaf ears as nothing was done despite assurances that it would be sorted.

"In the block of flats there are tenants with various health issues which make using steps near impossible, plus a young family with a pram, a couple of residents who rely on mobility scooters, etc."

He said people's "worst fears" were realised when the second lift also failed.

"We were left with no working lift in the building," he added.

"It happened on a Friday. More than five reports were made to Incommunities, and then residents received a text message saying the lifts would be looked at after the weekend. A nine-storey block of flats with no working lift, and residents unable to use the steps.

"Many residents do their shopping on a weekend and weren't able to go out to buy food. Home shopping delivery is also out of the question as drivers are reluctant to carry a weekly shop up several flights of stairs. Fast-food delivery isn't possible either as the drivers only deliver to the main entrance of the building."

A spokesperson for Incommunities told the Keighley News: "We are aware of issues with the lifts at Ebor Court and are working with our specialist contractors to fix them.

"We would like to apologise to all customers for the inconvenience that this has caused.

"We're doing everything we can to get both lifts up and running properly as soon as possible.

"If customers require specific help and assistance, we ask that they get in touch with us on 0330 175 9540 and we will assist."