Widow in tears over request to insure communal hall stairlift

AN 80-year-old Churston pensioner has been left upset after being warned of the consequences of installing a stairlift and security camera in a communal hallway.

Disabled widow Doris King feared falling downstairs at her first-floor flat after neck problems affected her balance, so she took action.

But after installing the devices, the on-site committee which manages the private accommodation blocks has told Doris she had no formal permission for structural alterations.

Committee members say she will have to move the camera and make sure the stairlift is insured and regularly maintained.

Doris said: "We all own our private flats here, but there is a management committee. I already pay a service charge which includes public liability insurance.

"The letter from the committee has really upset me. I cried for two days.

"In the block where I live, the only other resident on my floor is happy with the stairlift.

"My legs are so unreliable, it's the only way I could get out in an emergency myself."

Security also bothers Doris.

"There's no lock on the front door downstairs" she said.

"Anyone can get in. It even jams open sometimes, so I installed a small CCTV camera upstairs to make sure I knew who was coming upstairs and ringing my doorbell.

"They even objected to that. They said it could breach the Data Protection Act to film other people without their permission even though my only neighbour, who is 92, is happy with it. They told me I could be prosecuted. I was very upset."

Management company chairman Mrs Elaine Ellis, who also lives on site but runs a business elsewhere, said: "Mrs King has got it all out of perspective. We have taken legal advice from a Paignton solicitor and what action should be taken in the best interests of the estate.

"We are not happy that the CCTV points down the stairwell and have asked for changes by November 25 otherwise she will be breaking the law. Our insurers are also not happy with the structural changes in communal areas.

"We understand she needs the stairlift but we have to consider accidents. If anyone else is injured, she needs proper insurance.

"Hopefully, we can reach some kind of agreement but she will certainly have to move the camera, and make sure the stairlift is insured and regularly maintained."