A LIFT which malfunctioned and crushed a grandmother to death had been fitted with second-hand parts, it has been claimed.

Residents say the lift, in the Lambourne House block of the Orchard Estate in Woodford Green, had been faulty for months but Redbridge Council had failed to provide enough funding to repair it properly.

The revelations come after 50-year-old Christine Allen was killed at the block on Saturday night.

Ms Allen's daughter, Laura Dawkins, said she had contacted the council's contractors directly about repairs, but they said they had to use second-hand parts because the authority was unable to pay the full amount.

Meanwhile, more residents on the Orchard Estate have come forward to say they too complained about the lifts to Redbridge Council.

Tenants have long expressed their concerns about the state of housing in the block.

In 2008 Laura Dawkins was featured in the Guardian expressing her concerns at the crumbling state of the Orchard Estate, along with other residents.

Redbridge Council has refused to comment or answer questions about the tragedy, except to say they have sympathy with the family and would co-operate with any investigation.

Morrison, the company which is contracted to do repairs on council property by Redbridge Homes, did not comment on the second-hand parts claim.

But Chief Executive Guy Wakeley did say in a statement: "Morrison would never condone activities that would put the property or residents of Redbridge Homes at risk.

"Both our staff and the staff of Redbridge Homes sub-contractor, who we manage, have always undertaken their duties diligently in and in accordance with the highest industry standards.

"We are deeply shocked by the tragedy and are working with Redbridge Homes to fully comply with the health and safety executive and Metropolitan Police."