Disabled woman's anger as 'lifeline' under threat

A woman who relies on an outside lift to get in and out of her home has said she is "angry, disappointed and lost" over plans to replace it.

Millie Mulchay, from Bacup in Lancashire, uses a wheelchair and has a steep garden with no ramp.

The 36-year-old's lift was installed by Lancashire County Council six years ago but, she said, has never worked properly, often leaving her stranded inside her house.

She said the council had told her that while she could either have a new lift - for would be responsible for any repairs after five years - or a new ramp which she may not be able to use alone.

She said: "They've just said it's down to funding. I wouldn't mind if they left the lift in and stuck me a ramp in for the days when the lift isn't working, so I can still get out. But apparently I can't have both. It's one or the other.

"I'm lost as to what to do, to be honest. It's my freedom. It's the only way I can get out my house."

The MP for Rossendale and Darwen, Andy McNae, recently spoke about Millie's plight in Parliament, and is planning to meet with the chief executive of the council about it.

He called it "unacceptable" and accused County Hall of "trying to escape its obligations".

He said: "The idea that she can have one for five years and then, if it breaks down, she's then somehow going to find the money to fix it, is crazy."

A Lancashire County Council spokesman said: "We apologise for the ongoing distress and disruption Ms Mulcahy has experienced.

"We acknowledge how essential this equipment is to Ms Mulcahy's independence and wellbeing, and we are working closely with her, focusing on a safe and long‑term solution."

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