Enfield Council has come under fire for failing to fix two broken lifts in a tower block.

The council was accused of ‘making excuses’ after the elevators in Welch House on Beaconsfield Road stopped working within a week of each other, causing problems for residents with mobility issues.

One lift at the block has been out of action for two weeks, while the other has not been working for almost a week, according to Sarah Curtis, who lives in the block of flats.

She said: “Everyone is getting told different excuses.

“There is a seven-month pregnant woman having to walk up three flights of stairs. There is an elderly lady who is now housebound.

“My daughter is recovering from surgery, and I have had to send her elsewhere. She has gone to her boyfriend’s.

“The council keep saying water is in the lift – but there isn’t.”

Ms Curtis said a drainage company worker had been to inspect the lift but did not find any water.

An Enfield Council spokesperson said its contractors had discovered that the lift pits were flooded and visited the site yesterday (Monday, July 30) to pump out the excess water.

They added: “The lifts will then need a period of time to dry out before any electrical work is undertaken.

“The contractors estimate this process may take up to three days but will actively monitor progress so that we can restore the lifts as soon as possible.

“We will also be looking into the cause of the flooding to help prevent further issues from reoccurring.

“We apologise to all residents for the inconvenience and staff will be available to assist vulnerable residents with interim arrangements.”