Grandma stuck in third-floor Nautica flat, Weymouth due to broken lift

Audrey Dunne has been forced to stay inside her flat at Nautica apartments in Weymouth's town centre since March 30 - causing 'severe depression'.

Audrey Dunne, aged 78, has left her Weymouth town centre flat since March 30

She was initially told it would be fixed by June 18 - but has now been informed it will not happen until July 10.

As previously reported, the 78-year-old, who suffers from an arthritic hip, cannot climb up and down the 56 steps to her third-floor flat - and the only human interaction she has had since March has come from her neighbour Warren Smith, 66, who helps with groceries while the lift remains out of use.

READ MORE: Weymouth woman 'depressed and lonely' after being stuck in flat since March

She said: "Every day I become more severely depressed - it feels like a comfortable prison.

"On a scale of one to 10 in relation to depression - this situation feels like an eight."

The building is managed by Dorchester housing firm Templehill Property, which previously informed residents the lift would be fixed by June 18.

"Being told the lift would be fixed gave me hope, but that's been dashed now there's another delay," said Mrs Dunne.

"I feel like Rapunzel but without the long hair to get down.

"I own the flat, but this situation has made me realise I need to sell up and move closer to my son Ryan and his family near Newton Abbot."

Due to being stuck in her flat, Mrs Dunne missed her second Covid vaccine, however, on June 1 she was given her second dose after being visited by an NHS staff member.

READ MORE: Covid: No Dorset deaths for 57 days

Templehill said they previously attempted to repair the lift but another fault was discovered, leaving it out of action.

A spokeswoman from Templehill, said: "Residents were advised that there had been further delay from the Spanish based lift manufacturer providing the part required.

"We have been advised that the part in question will be with the UK based maintenance provider on July 7.

"A visit has been scheduled for July 7 in anticipation and the work is expected to be completed by July 10 unless we're advised otherwise.

"Please understand that we're reliant on the lift providers and manufacturers at this current time. Other possible options have been explored but proved not to be any more favourable for residents."

Mrs Dunne said she is looking forward to seeing her son Ryan and her grandson Harley. Picture: Sam McKeown