Disabled Cheltenham resident 'cut off from everything' by faulty intercom

A worried resident at a retirement complex in Cheltenham say they feel "cut off from everything" due to an inoperable intercom. Samuel Adams, 68, lives on the fourth floor of Robert Harvey House, sheltered housing accommodation for over 60s on Winchcombe Street.

Managed by Cheltenham Borough Homes, Mr Adams, who is disabled, explains that an intercom system that links to all 37 flats in the building has stopped working on numerous occasions. Mr Adams has serious worries and wants Cheltenham Borough Council to sort the problem out.

Mr Adams said that vital services such as shopping, medication and parcels have been unable to reach him, leaving him and other residents feeling ignored. Other residents at Robert Harvey House are having difficulties with the intercom. Cheltenham Borough Council have said they will look to address the issue urgently and have a budget and contractor in place.

READ MORE: 'Traffic busting' plan for M5 junction 9 a step closer as Shire Hall explores rapid transit link

READ MORE: Gloucestershire's ambitious plan to become 'UK capital for world-leading businesses' approved

Mr Adams said: "Each time it rains the water runs down the wall by the main entrance and gets inside the unit and it ceases to function. It has been reported numerous times but Cheltenham Borough Homes do not take any action. I feel like I am in a different world, cut off from everything.

"I need medication and shopping delivered and all this makes me feel awful. I would like CBH to worry more about people's care and until they replace the intercom properly I and others living here will have the same problem."

In response, Cllr Victoria Atherstone (LD, St Peters) as Cheltenham Borough Council cabinet member for housing said: “We appreciate the frustration these issues have caused our tenants and we’re working closely with them to address their concerns and offer the support that they need. We’re looking to replace the door entry system as a matter of urgency and we now have budgets and a contractor in place to carry out the work. We’ll advise of a start date as soon as possible.

Cllr Atherstone added: “Whilst all reported issues with the door entry system have been responded to, it is an older model that connects to a warden call system which also needs replacing; this is part of the reason that we’ve been unable to carry-out satisfactory, longer lasting repairs.

"Both systems need digital technology to connect to each other for the analogue to digital switchover in 2025. The laundry room has been deep cleaned and will be checked weekly going forwards, with all tenants asked to leave the room clean and tidy after its use. We continue to prioritise the wellbeing of all of our tenants and will continue to work with them to ensure they have a clean and safe living environment.”

Cheltenham Borough Council say they would like customers to carry on reporting any issues directly to them through MyCBH or call 0800 408 0000 so they can "investigate and address them as quickly as possible."