'Trapped' nan can't do a big shop because of 'dreaded' flat block

A desperate nan is one of many concerned residents who feel "trapped" in their own homes and are fearful of the future. Both leaseholders and tenants of Beech Rise in Kirkby have become increasingly worried about the safety of their 14-floor tower block and no longer see a way out.

Kathleen Rosenthal, 68 has lived on the sixth floor of Beech Rise for almost seven years after purchasing the apartment in 2017. Kath loves her flat and has invested money in making it as comfortable as possible - she can even see her daughter's house from her living room window. However, Kath is very critical of the condition of the block as a whole and says she is frustrated by the decline in maintenance standards.

The ECHO spoke to numerous residents who said they were concerned about several issues in the building including broken doors, smashed-in walls, heavy-duty furniture left in communal hallways and water damage to ceilings. According to residents, one lift in the block has been out of order for five years and the second lift has also been out of action for over a month.

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Residents claim they now have no access to a lift and must use the stairs to get in and out of their flats. In terms of food and basic provisions, Kath said she can just about carry up milk and bread but relies on her son-in-law for the "big shop". Kath who has to walk up 12 flights of stairs said she feels "dread" at the prospect. She added: "In fact dread is not even the word. It's so exhausting.

"What if there's a fire? What if there's a serious medical episode? What happens then and who will come and get us and bring us back? I just don't know and that's very worrying."

Kath has explored the possibility of selling her flat and moving somewhere else. However, she is worried that the service charge and the condition of the block might deter potential buyers. She said: "I'm now on anxiety tablets. I love my flat. The problem is the block and the lift is just the latest thing."

Management company Dempster Management Services Limited (DMS) recently took on the contract offered to them by the leaseholders' board - Parklands (Kirkby) Management Company Limited.

A spokesperson for Dempster Management Services Limited said: “We wholeheartedly sympathise and acknowledge the complaints raised and we are committed to resolving the catalogue of issues that exist at Willow and Beech Rise.

"We are a new agent, having been instructed in November 2023 by the directors who are also owners of the development, and we are working closely with Parklands (Kirkby) Management Company Limited to create a sensible programme of works.

"We have made positive progress within the short time we have been involved and we want to continue with this momentum. We want to work in synergy with owners and residents alike to achieve a positive outcome.”

In their despair residents have also approached councillor Harry Bell for support in finding quick and effective solutions. As a result, Cllr Bell has been working with both the leasehold board and Dempster as well as specialist contractors to find a pathway forward. Cllr Bell said: "I want to reassure our residents that I am listening to them and doing all that I can to ensure their issues are addressed.”

Knowsley Council has no responsibility for issues like lift maintenance because Beech Rise is privately owned and is maintained by the leaseholder-appointed management agent. However, they are investigating complaints about dampness and mould in the block.

Responding to a query about the complaints of draughty windows, a leaking balcony and damp and mould, Knowsley Council said: "Information is still being collated but what has been received would indicate that this is also a complex repair and isn’t an overnight fix. The council is working with the management company to monitor the defects raised and progress the repairs as soon as possible. We will continue to monitor and progress the complaints until they have been resolved.”