A HOUSING association has apologised after a faulty lift left a man a prisoner in his own home.

Dave Smith, 59, said the lift at his flat block in De Grey Road, Colchester, run by Moat housing, has broken down several times in the last two years, leaving him stranded.

He uses a wheelchair and lives on the second floor.

The lift has, most recently, been outof- action since Wednesday, April 1.

Mr Smith, who had his leg amputated at the knee after a string of knee replacements, said the lift also broke down last year and was out of action for three weeks, leaving him housebound.

Mr Smith is almost totally reliant on a wheelchair.

He said: "It breaks down so often it is far from fine.

“I am literally a prisoner.”

Mr Smith said Moat housing promised the lift would be fixed on Easter Monday, but no workmen turned up to carry out the promised work on the day.

A Moat spokesman apologised for the delay.

He said: "We are aware of an issue with the lift.

“We are investigating the delay to the repair requested over the Easter weekend with our contractor.

“A necessary part is on order and will be fitted as soon as it arrives.

"We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this is causing our customers.

“We will be in touch with those affected."