A broken lift has kept an 84-year-old widower trapped inside his flat for weeks.

Jim Down has lived on the third floor at Sandpiper Court, Margate, for 16 years, and relies on the lifts so that he can take his electric scooter out of the building.

Although he can walk slowly down the stairs, he has extreme difficulty getting back up.

One of the lifts has been out of action for as long as six months and the second broke down nearly a month ago.

Ownership of the building changed last month and the new owners, Miles Ahead Properties of Streatham in south London, have yet to arrange repairs.

Mr Down said: “I’ve been virtually housebound for three weeks now and it’s a nightmare. Friends have been getting some shopping for me and my daughter visits most weekends.

“I keep my scooter in the flat as there is nowhere else secure in the building, and without the lifts, I can’t take it out.”

Cllr Iris Johnston, who is ward member for the flats, has taken up Mr Down’s cause.

She said: “I’ve spoken to the flats’ managing agents and they are working hard to sort out the situation.”

A spokesman for managing agents Cooke & Co in Cliftonville said they hadn’t originally been informed of the change of ownership of Sandpiper Court but having tracked down the new freeholder, had told them of the situation.

She said: “We have now told them in writing about the problem and will keep pressing them to carry out repairs.”

Miles Ahead did not respond to our inquiries.