Wheelchair user delighted after Council u-turn on lift

A woman who was once left trapped in her home for two months because of a faulty outdoor lift has described the local authority's decision to replace it and pay for future repairs as a "small win".

36-year-old Millie Mulcahy, from Bacup in Lancashire is a wheelchair user and lives in a house with a steep garden and no ramp.

She relies on an outdoor lift to get in an out of her home but in the six years since Lancashire County Council (LCC) installed it - the machine has broken down on numerous occasions leaving her stuck inside, often for weeks at a time.

Mulcahy was told she would be responsible for long-term repairs to the new lift, however the council has now agreed a service contract.

Mulcahy's case was brought to the public's attention by the Rossendale and Darwen MP Andy McNae who spoke of her plight in Parliament and who has been in constant contact with Lancashire County Council over the issue.

He said: "I really just laid out just how ridiculous it was and how it was in everyone's interest just to do this right, do it properly, and get a long-term solution in place, but the most important thing is just making sure that Millie gets her freedom back."

Mulchay welcomed the news, and said: "It was just a nightmare, there's no way I'd be able to afford the upkeep of that lift, especially with the way it was breaking down."

She had been forced to give up a volunteering post with Citizens Advice as a result of the constant breakdowns and now with a new lift in the pipeline, she hopes to be able to return: "I have been in touch with the manager, she said if I get it all sorted out then I can start going back again."

The lift has been a vital lifeline for Mulcahy and now she is looking forward to the future: "It's my freedom and just being able to live my life and get out and do what I want."

Mulcahy is now waiting to hear when the new lift is to be installed, with both she and her mum hoping it will be before winter.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "We have been working with Ms Mulcahy to find a safe and long-term solution and have arranged for a new lift to be fitted at her home.

"We understand this equipment is essential to her independence and wellbeing and continue to support her."

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