Elderly residents left 'trapped' in retirement complex without electricity, gas or running water
90-year-old man among vulnerable residents ‘trapped’ without water, gas or electricity
A 90-year-old man is among 43 vulnerable residents left “trapped” inside their retirement housing complex after the building was left without gas, electricity and running water.
Brian Pykett is one of the residents affected by the lack of services at Stonelow Court, Dronfield, today.
A National Grid “substation issue” is said to have caused a power failure at the housing complex, run by South Yorkshire Housing.
My Pykett’s son, Vince, said he reported the issue at around 8.30am and has remained at the complex since to make sure his father is looked after.
He said residents, many in their 80s and 90s, were left sitting in darkness without access to essential services when the gas, electricity and running water all went off.
“There are 43 residents, all in their 80s and 90s sat in the darkness, trapped in their homes,” he said.
“These are fragile people who need access to landlines and buzzers to get help. The buzzers are used to contact carers and other support when residents need assistance.
“I fear to think what would have happened last week when I wasn’t here, and my dad needed to let in the ambulance service through the buzzers.”
Vince said many residents rely on landlines as their main way of contacting the outside world, making the loss of power particularly distressing for some.
He also raised concerns about residents who use wheelchairs and the impact of the lift being unavailable.
Some residents had already left the complex before the problems began this morning, andVince said those who had gone out may now be unable to return to their homes if they cannot use the stairs.
Those who remained inside, have been left ‘trapped’ without accessible routes out.
Vince said the situation was particularly concerning given the age and vulnerability of the residents.
“It’s very hot and fans can’t be plugged in,” he said, adding that there were also concerns about medication which needs to be refrigerated.
He questioned why there was no back up system in place to protect residents when essential services fail.
“I want to know the reason why this has happened, and why there is no back-up system,” he said.
“This isn’t just any housing, these are all vulnerable residents.
“With the money they pay out, things like this shouldn’t happen.”
Vince said he hoped residents would receive compensation for the disruption and distress caused.
“I hope they compensate us for the stress they have caused,” he said.
A South Yorkshire Housing Association spokesperson said: “A National Grid substation issue has caused a power failure at Stonelow Court, and we have been assured that this is being resolved as quickly as possible.
“The safety and wellbeing of our customers is our priority, and our team is making sure that customers are getting the support they need.
“We have also ensured that all customers have access to water.
“We will continue to closely monitor the situation and will put extra support in place if required.”
The issue was resolved at around 1pm.