Residents living in town centre flats said they are still without a working lift despite having raised a complaint five months ago.
Tenants spoke out in the summer and said living conditions had become a ‘nightmare’ at Newspaper House, off Railway Road, in Blackburn.
The building was renovated in 2017 and now houses 67 flats across five floors, including a basement, in offices formerly home to the Lancashire Telegraph.
The majority of the tenants in the building are professional workers within the NHS, the local council and other private sector organisations.
A sign at the front door says the property is now managed by Lambert Smith Hampton Residential.
The management company said a contractor would be out to inspect and then fix the lift and also shared images which it says show the corridors and the bin area were cleaned on a regular basis.
They called on tenants to get in touch with any concerns directly.
Tenants have said monthly rents at Newspaper House start from £575, and rise to £700 plus utility bills. C
ouncil tax is paid separately and on average people were paying around £100 a month.
A service charge of £50 is also charged to cover maintenance of communal areas.
A statement on behalf of some of the residents read: “The lift has been out of order since June 3, with no visits to check or any updates or forward plans.
“There has been no internet or Wi-Fi since June 13. This was removed from utility bills where it was initially included since September 1.
"This was only updated as a few tenants chased up with unclear clarification.
“We have managed to source another competitive price provider yet management companies are reluctant to allow them to drill small holes for cables."
They said there were issues with pigeons and pigeon poo, rats and rubbish.
The statement adds: “When opening windows for the fresh air we get mosquitoes and flies due to the poor hygiene surroundings.
“Youths entering the empty Old Adelphi Pub next door throw stones at residents on the lower floors and there are racist comments written on walls.
“We cannot communicate to report any issues to them as there is no Wi-Fi."
The statement added: "People with babies and medical conditions are suffering and there are health and safety issues as there are several trip hazards.
“Winter is here with dark and wet nights, and [we feel like we are] waiting for someone to have a major accident before [the management company] takes action to correct things.
“There are several empty apartments with alarm noises till the battery dies yet the management company ignores it.”
A Lambert Smith Hampton Residential spokesperson said: "Arrangements have been made for the lift contractors to attend and carry out a full inspection, remedial works will then commence.
"Tenants are no longer charged for internet and have received a reduction in rent to allow them to arrange their own service provider.
"Tenants were advised to use WiFi routers which do not require any walls to be drilled.
"The issues with pigeons, rats and rubbish have been resolved and regular inspections and cleans are taking place. Photos were taken on November 4 after the weekly communal cleaning had been done.
"Any tenant concerns should be reported to the property management company and a contractor will be assigned to carry out any necessary works."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel