A LIFT was out of action for three months in the town's second tallest building due to mysterious water damage.

In the early stages of summer one of the two lifts in Point Royal on Rectory Lane stopped working.

It became clear a flat had flooded, causing water to stream into the lift mechanism of the 17 storey-building.

While different rumours abounded as to the exact source of the water, what was clear was how long the lift took to be repaired.

Tenant Vivienne Ballico said: "Over the past months we've had Bracknell Forest Homes (BFH) promising the tenants that the spare parts to repair the lift will be fitted shortly.

"In the meantime, the other lift is working double and we're keeping fingers crossed that too doesn't break down.

"One lady is on crutches. She was on one of the floors the working lift didn't visit and had to keep climbing up. It was hopeless.

"Our issue is the lack of information from BFH. Many of us have spoken with them and each and every time, a different answer is given."

Although now fixed, the lift kept failing despite numerous repair attempts, delayed by parts manufactured and delivered by a single European supplier.

Chris Withnall, development and assets director at BFH, said: “One of Point Royal’s two lifts has been out of service. It has had intermittent faults over the past three months. The faults are the result of extensive water damage through one of the flats flooding and leaking into the lift’s mechanical and electronic components causing corrosion. We replaced these parts but there has been a series of subsequent failures.

“The latest parts were fitted on Monday (August 14) and both lifts are currently in service.

“We’re sorry for the inconvenience caused as a consequence of these failures, which, frustratingly, have continued for a period of time. We are continuing to work closely with the lift manufacturer and our service contractor to ensure the problems are resolved. The other lift in the block remained in service so inconvenience to residents has been contained as far as possible.”