Residents at Potters Court have been told they can only use one lift at specific times over the next few days.

Both lifts at the council-owned block of flats, which mainly houses pensioners and disabled people, broke down on Friday evening.

One has been temporarily fixed but residents have been warned its use should be "limited" until permanent repairs are carried out next week.

It comes after two pensioners were forced to sleep in their wheelchairs on Friday after being unable to reach their upstairs bedrooms.

“We feel like we are living in a prison – the residents are calling it HMP Potters Court,” said 67-year-old Sandy Johnson.

Daily Echo: Potters Court resident Sandy Johnson Potters Court resident Sandy Johnson (Image: NQ)

In a letter to residents sent out on Tuesday, the council’s housing director, Jamie Brenchley, said: “Until the more permanent repair is carried out, one lift will be operational between limited time periods.

“These will be 9-10am, 12noon-1pm and 6-7pm daily.

“We will advise as soon as we know when both lifts will be fully operational, but our hope is that this situation will be concluded over the next 7-10 days.

“If you usually rely on the lift to access your home, please refrain from using the stairs unless you can do so safely."

Mrs Johnson added: “Now residents can rush down for an hour to then have to queue up to try to use the busy lift. It's ridiculous.

“People’s mental and physical health are being massively affected and no council contractor has been working on the lifts after 4pm – they should be down here 24/7 trying to help these people.

“I don’t know how they can sleep at night knowing what’s happening to residents here.

“One resident is so stressed and worried – his wife is frightened he will have a heart attack. That’s how desperate the situation has gotten."

Fellow resident Margaret Baxendale, 74, moved into Potters Court three months ago and said she had counted at least 10 times when at least one lift was down.

Daily Echo: Potters Court resident Margaret BaxendalePotters Court resident Margaret Baxendale (Image: NQ)

In his letter, Mr Brenchley added: “We would like to take this opportunity to offer a further apology for any inconvenience or distress that has been caused by this ongoing situation."

In a statement issued on Saturday, a council spokesperson said: “Our priority is always the safety and well-being of residents, so our on-site team are supporting those who need extra help getting around the building and accessing services while the repairs are made."