IT’S a landmark for those travelling into Southampton by water and one of the first things they see when coming into the city.

Canberra Towers, a 24-story tower block, dwarfs all other tower blocks located on International Way, and on the Weston Estate in general.

It was opened in July 1967 by the Australian High Commissioner.

Robert Dilworth, a milkman serving the tower block in 1982, had his work cut out, spending up to an hour each day making deliveries to the residents.

He would load up crates, travel to the top and work his way down again – a job made infinitely harder if the lifts weren’t working.

“It’s quite easy really, and I have only known the lift to break down once.” Dilworth said.

Howver, in 1991 the residents were finding that the lifts were breaking down on a daily basis, forcing some of them to walk more than 40 flights of stairs just to get to their homes.

Tenant Lisa Mugridge said: “There are a lot of old people in the flats – they just end up stuck inside.”

The problem lasted around a month before residents handed a petition with 137 signatures to Southampton City Council, who solved the problem – for a while...

The Daily Echo has reported on problems with the lifts numerous times since, although it’s not just elevator related problems the residents faced.

Throughout the 1980s, ground-floor flat tenants were furious over drainage problems making their lives a misery.

Murky, foul-smelling water from the flats above would blow back up their kitchen sinks several times a week, creating a stomach-churning stench in their homes.

But despite the many issues, the building has been home to thousands of people over the past 50 years – providing them with a safe haven and stunning views.