Elderly and disabled residents in a West London housing block have been left effectively trapped in their homes for four weeks after the building's only lift broke down, with one individual describing having to crawl down the stairwell to reach a medical appointment.
Residents' Lives Put on Hold
The lift at Longlands Court in Notting Hill has been out of action since November 20, causing significant distress and hardship for those living in the block. Laura, a 58-year-old resident with back problems who lives on the fourth floor, said navigating the stairs has become a "nightmare".
"I'm in so much pain going up and down the stairs. I have to take painkillers," she explained, adding that the medication makes her feel unwell. Unable to carry heavy shopping bags, she is forced to make multiple painful trips. Laura, who has been trapped inside the malfunctioning lift twice in the past, stated this is the worst breakdown she has experienced in her nine years living there.
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous and lives on an upper floor with a disability, revealed she had to crawl down the stairs on one occasion. "I find I shake when I try going up the stairs," she said. She criticised Kensington and Chelsea Council for not conducting welfare checks or clearly communicating that helpers had been hired.
A Wider Problem Across the Borough
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) visited the block on Friday, December 5, finding a notice on the lift doors blaming a "fault with the drive mechanism". While helpers were present to assist residents 24/7, many tenants felt their lives were "put on hold".
The issue is not isolated. The LDRS also recently visited the iconic Trellick Tower in Kensal Town, where residents report lifts are frequently broken for months. Colin Jean-Baptiste, 53, a lifelong resident, said the estate's three lifts are "overworked", making around 1,000 trips a day, and repairs are slow because parts often need to be ordered from overseas.
Cyber Attack Delayed Repairs
Kensington and Chelsea Council has acknowledged the problem, attributing part of the delay to a cyber attack in late November. The council stated that because many systems had to be shut down, the fault at Longlands Court was not raised with contractors until the week beginning November 24.
A technician eventually visited on December 7 and identified the need for a new part. In a statement, Dan Hawthorn, Executive Director of Housing and Social Investment, apologised: "I'm sorry about the problems with the lifts; it's incredibly frustrating when they break down, and to ensure lifts are reliable is essential."
The council has pledged to have the Longlands Court lift repaired by Thursday, December 18. It also says it has reviewed its procedures, now ensuring 24/7 staff support for any block left completely without a working lift.
This incident has amplified calls for stricter regulations. MyLondon's investigation into London's housing crisis in 2025 has highlighted chronic lift failures. The publication is now campaigning for specific legislation to force landlords to repair lifts within a set timeframe, such as 48 hours, a move backed by several London MPs and Mayor Sadiq Khan.
