WOODFORD GREEN: Lift back in use seven months after tragic death (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WOODFORD GREEN: Lift back in use seven months after tragic death

3:14pm Monday 22nd March 2010 in

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A FAULTY lift, which was linked to a woman’s death in August last year, has been repaired and is to be returned to service - seven months later.

Redbridge Homes confirmed the lift, in Lambourne Court, in the Orchard Estate, Woodford Green, will be back in use tomorrow.

Christine Allen, 50, of Apollo Place, Leytonstone, died on August 8 last year as she attempted to use the lift while visiting her daughter and grandchildren.

She suffered head injuries during the accident and is believed to have died instantly.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the police into the death was launched shortly afterwards and is believed to be ongoing.

Mrs Allen’s daughter, Laura Dawkins, who has since moved away with her family, expressed frustration over the length of time the investigation has taken.

One elderly resident, who did not wish to be named, said there had been constant problems with the lift and only today, she had been waiting several hours for access.

She said: "If I had my choice, I wouldn't live here.

"It was very hard to stand up with my heavy shopping - I have vertigo and I could never get up the stairs."

A spokesman for Redbridge Homes, which manages the Orchard Estate, said: “We have ensured the lift has undergone rigorous tests from our lift engineers, our insurers and an independent lift specialist.

“As the HSE and the police have still to conclude their investigations into the circumstances around the death of Mrs Allen, we cannot comment any further.”

A spokesman for the HSE confirmed the death is still being looked into and that police are leading the investigation.