Wheelchair user trapped in Reading flat after lift breakdown

Jamie Robertson claims the lift has failed at least 16 times in the past 11 years

A wheelchair user has described being "trapped in my own home" for almost a week due to a lift being out of action.

Jamie Robertson said he had not been able to leave his second-floor flat in the Hermitage block in central Reading since Saturday.

It left him unable to go to work and caused him "emotional distress".

The property management company responsible for the flats said the lift was fixed on Friday after a delay due to sourcing a spare part.

Mr Robertson told BBC News he was "incredibly grateful" for all the support he had received since his plight was publicised.

"It's the importance of communication and empathy in these situations - we all understand that sometimes things go wrong, but when you are reliant on technology for movement, there is a real need to keep those communication channels open," he said.

Mr Robertson said it had been out of action since Saturday when another resident was trapped and had to be rescued, which left the doors damaged in the process.

With no alternative lift and with four flights of stairs, it effectively left the lifelong wheelchair user unable to leave the property.

Mr Robertson's property in the 10-story block has only access to one lift

Speaking to the BBC before the lift was repaired, he said: "The lift is hugely important - it's my only way of entering and leaving the building.

"This feels like a re-run of lockdown - I feel powerless. I've been isolated from friends and family. It's just been awful."

In the past 11 years since he bought his flat, the lift has failed on at least 16 occasions, he said.

While food had been brought up to his flat, he was unable to leave for his job at the University of Reading Students' Union.

"I'm trying to raise awareness for people with pushchairs or mobility issues - this isn't acceptable for anyone.

"When it comes to disabled people, it seems to be lower down on the priority list - or at least, that's how it feels," Mr Robertson added.

Property management company First Port confirmed to the BBC the lift was "back up and running" after repairs.

"Our paramount concern is always the safety and wellbeing of our residents, and we fully recognise the impact a lift breakdown has on wheelchair users in particular," the firm said.

"Unfortunately, lifts do experience problems from time to time, and we are sorry that this meant the lift was out of action for several days."

It said an engineer had been on site shortly after the initial fault but there had been a delay in sourcing a replacement part.

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