A 94-year-old woman is said to have been driven to tears after having to face almost 100 stairs for more than six weeks, due to a broken lift.

Sheltered housing accommodation Brook Lodge, in Medora Road, Romford, houses about 40 residents, with the majority of them being over the age of 60.

But despite residents feeling stranded in their homes, the lift has been out of use for more than six weeks.

A 60-year-old woman who lives on the top floor at Brook Lodge and wishes to remain anonymous, said: “It’s disgusting that they are making us do this.

“Luckily for me, I’m quite mobile, but I saw my poor neighbour who’s 94 years old, standing at the bottom of the stairs holding lots of shopping bags as well as her trolley and crying.

“My heart just sank for her and it does for so many others who have had to put up with this every day.”

Brook Lodge residents have made several complaints to London and Quadrant – the housing association which manages the sheltered housing – but the problem remains unresolved.

Resident Yvonne Rowden, 72, who lives on the ground floor, said: “We’re all affected by the lift being out of use because the laundry facilities are on the second floor.

“It just feels like we are not being taken seriously and the fact that some people here are struggling every day to go up those stairs, simply doesn’t seem to matter to them.”

A spokesman for London and Quadrant said: “We are sorry for the inconvenience the residents of Brook Lodge have been experiencing with their lift.

“Repairs were made promptly on two occasions and we thought the issue had been resolved.

“Unfortunately, when the most recent issue was reported on December 22 repairs were delayed due to the holiday period and difficulties sourcing the replacement parts.

“A full repair is due to be done this week.”