“WE are like prisoners in our own home.”

Those are the words of frail and elderly pensioners left stranded in a Southampton tower block after their lift broke down.

The elevator in one of two four-storey blocks in Ventnor Court, Bassett Green Road, ground to a halt on Sunday – three days after first breaking down on Thursday last week – trapping an 87-year-old woman inside.

Yesterday Southampton City Council contractors opened a temporary outdoor lift operating at restricted times in the supported housing complex, but confirmed the main elevator will not be fixed until Wednesday – nearly two weeks after being shut off.

Many residents of 63 flats there are relying on staff and families to get food and other vital supplies to them.

They claim the lift has been playing up for nearly a year and many feel the lift is unsafe to use in their frail state.

Retired lorry driver Alan Kebbell, 69, lives on the ground floor and says many people have been unable to reach the regular social clubs he hosts in the common room.

He said: “People are like prisoners in their own homes.

“The care staff are working their socks off to help but they can’t do it all.”

Great-grandmother Chris Jarvis was trapped for nearly an hour when it broke down on Thursday and is among those unable to leave her first-floor apartment.

The retired cleaner said: “It was frightening in there and I was finding it hard to breath.

“It’s summer and we should be getting out and getting fresh air and I am just sitting here miserable – they need to hurry up.”

Neighbour Sylvia Rogers, 83, who lives on the second floor is rendered disabled after a hip and two knee replacements.

“I’ve been trapped in there before and although the council are doing their best it seems to be too long,” she said.

The manned temporary lift will operate for 24 hours from 9am on Monday but will be closed on Saturday and restricted from 8am- 5pm on Thursday, Friday and Sunday while a replacement specialist part is ordered.

Gwenda Daish, 70, a former care home matron living on the fourth floor, said: “It’s diabolical.

“It’s not a proper lift it’s a hoist and I’ve broken my femur and had a hip replacement and I would not feel safe in it.” A council spokeswoman said the lifts had broken down in advance of refurbishment due in August and added: “As the lifts have broken down, we have, in agreement with the residents, decided to bring forward the use of the manned temporary external lift meant for use during the refurbishment.

“We are sympathetic to residents at this time and will complete the refurbishment works as quickly as possible.

“We will install chairs on the landings so that those using the stairs over the next four days are able to safely rest if necessary.”