Resident Graeme Venn is calling for urgent action to repair an out-of-order lift at an East Gosford overpass which is frequently used by the elderly and mothers with prams.
Venn said trying to find out who is responsible for the lift had been challenging.
“The overpass over the corner of York St and Victoria St next to St Patricks Church has a lift each end,” Venn said.
“However the lift has been out of order now for over three weeks even though we have sent three reminders to Kone, which is the contact named for problems on the lift itself.
“When we finally had a response from Kone, we were informed it is Central Coast Council’s problem as it relates to an emergency telephone in the lift.
“We contacted Council (and were) advised it is the responsibility of Transport for NSW (TfNSW).”
When he contact TfNSW, Venn said he was told they were unaware of the problem.
“The lifts service the elderly from either side of the overpass attending the church as many have walkers and even wheelchairs,” he said.
“Parents taking children to St Pats Primary on one side or Preschool on the other side also use the lift as often mothers have prams.
“The only alternatives are to walk to the Henry Parry traffic light crossing or walk to Adelaide St … and cross over to the church or school which is fine unless it is raining.
“While there is a set of external steps on both sides of the overpass, they are very steep and not easy for the elderly.
“Why cannot this problem be attended to before there are accidents?”
A Council spokesperson confirmed the pedestrian overpass and associated infrastructure, including the lift, is the responsibility of Transport for NSW.
“Council has contacted TfNSW outlining the community’s pedestrian and access concerns with the malfunctioning of a lift at the overbridge,” the spokesperson said.
“Council is seeking TfNSW to have repairs undertaken as a priority to enable access for all pedestrians, including the elderly, parents and caregivers with prams, or those with mobility considerations.”
On April 13, Transport for NSW acknowledged to CCN it is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the lift.
“The issue has been referred to the contractor for Transport for NSW to investigate and action repairs urgently,” a spokesperson said.
Terry Collins
I dont live on the Central Coast but my local railway station does not even have a lift stairs only yes NO LIFT what so ever only been waiting over 20 years for one and still to this day NO Lift