Residents at a care home were stuck in their rooms because both lifts were broken.

People living at Downlands Court in Roundhay Avenue, Peacehaven, said there were residents “stuck in their flats like prisoners” when their second of two lifts broke on Christmas Day.

The main lift had been broken since December 6.

Shirley Dicker, 80, who lives at the home told The Argus a woman in a wheelchair had been down in the lobby all day on December 27 due to the malfunction.

She said: “It’s very dangerous. There’s people stuck in their flats like prisoners.

“Using the stairs is dangerous. It’s an accident waiting to happen.”

A man had been unable to move his furniture into his flat due to the broken lifts.

A resident who did not wish to be named said: “We had problems with the lifts for weeks.

“If you have health problems you can’t climb up all the steps.

“There’s a person in hospital who can’t get back because they don’t have a lift.”

The care home apologised for the disruption the lift breakdown caused residents.

Saxon Weald chief executive Steven Dennis said: “We are really sorry for the disruption the lift breakdown has caused residents over the Christmas period. Our thanks go to to the care team on site for their exemplary support for our customers.

“The main lift was out of action from December 6 and there was a delay in fixing it due to availability of parts and specialist contractors to fit them.

“We had hoped that contractors would attend on December 21 but were let down at the last minute, so can only apologise for that. However, the smaller lift was working, allowing residents access to all floors. It is extremely unfortunate that the smaller lift then also broke down on Christmas Day.

“We arranged for a contractor to attend as soon as possible, and both lifts were fixed on December 29. We are very sorry that it took a few days to get this in place, but given the availability of engineers, this was the soonest possible.

“Our next step is to get specialist advice from the lift manufacturer, Schindler’s Lifts, as to any further maintenance or preventative measures that are needed. We will of course keep residents informed.