News - 26/02/2009
Customers Given A 1million Lift
River Clyde Homes has announced that it is investing almost £1million in its lifts across its housing stock throughout Inverclyde.
There are currently 45 lifts in River Clyde Homes' properties, some of which are coming to the end of their useful lives. A new contractor has been appointed to carry out monthly services and annual inspections of all lifts. The firm, Otis, will also respond to unplanned events and breakdowns 24/7, 365 days a year, via their call centre.
River Clyde Homes is also carrying out an audit of all lifts to establish a future maintenance and replacement strategy. A lift replacement programme will begin in the summer at Cartsdyke Court, Greenock and Eastern View, Gourock with investment of £320,000.
In other developments, due to begin this spring at a cost of £100,000, passenger safety will be improved and apparatus installed to prevent major breakdowns. All lift cars will be fitted with two-way communications equipment linking directly with the Otis Call Centre. Some sites will have an early warning system installed to monitor the lift machinery and notify Otis of potential problems. This will prevent faults developing into breakdowns.
In addition another £100,000 will be spent this year on correcting historical defects in lifts across Inverclyde, £80,000 in ongoing maintenance and repairs and £400,000 has been set aside for possible lift replacement works in sheltered housing complexes following the maintenance audit.
Karen Neary said: "We are keenly aware that our customers who live in multi-storey properties need a reliable lift service and we are taking positive action to maintain lifts more effectively and replace them where necessary. I am sure that the improved personal safety measures will also be welcomed.
