Broken escalator angers shoppers

2:40pm Thursday 7th February 2013 in News Sarah Hickinbotham By Sarah Davies

STOPPED: The escalator in CrownGate centre has been out of action since Christmas. STOPPED: The escalator in CrownGate centre has been out of action since Christmas.

AN escalator has been out of action in a busy Worcester shopping centre for two months, to the dismay of some shoppers.

The up escalator in CrownGate ground to a halt before Christmas because of a fault in the control panel. Engineers have tried to fix the problem and are now awaiting delivery of a new part.

Val Hastings, of Northwick, who regularly visits the shopping centre and bus station, urged them to take immediate action.

The 72-year-old said: “I’ve rung the management and they just keep saying they’ve got estimates.

“There are some people in their 70s and 80s who can’t get up to the shops unless they use the stairs or the lift, which isn’t very big, or walk up the pavement outside.

“The down escalator is working but it’s the up one that’s the most important. Some people have got walking sticks and walking aids, and there are young people who have got disabilities who are struggling. People like their independence. It doesn’t give a very good impression of Worcester.”

Erica Burlace, CrownGate centre manager, apologised for the escalator’s closure.

She said: “Following several unsuccessful attempts to rectify the fault in the escalator on the advice of our maintenance contractors, a new, energy-saving control panel was ordered on January 14 and we are awaiting its imminent arrival.

“We hope to get the escalator up and running as soon as possible and are extremely sorry for any inconvenience caused. In the meantime, we would advise people to use the lift if they are having difficulties.”

Comments(11)

shirazmonster says...
2:56pm Thu 7 Feb 13

Good to see Crowngate are taking steps to put this right.

Report this post »

lovelyjubbly says...
3:15pm Thu 7 Feb 13

There is a lift and I disagree about it being small. As lifts go, this one is quite large so what is the problem. Surely safer than an escalator if someone uses walking aids?

Report this post »

liloliluk says...
4:05pm Thu 7 Feb 13

I agree that the lift would be much safer for people with sticks or walking aids.

But more importantly, where are all the angry people pointing at the broken escalator? Was the usual photographer on holiday?

Report this post »

Terry The Binman says...
8:57pm Thu 7 Feb 13

"...in a busy Worcester shopping centre"

I have never seen the Crowngate even remotely busy. Anyway, do ALL these shoppers live in bungalows?

Report this post »

Vox populi says...
11:19pm Thu 7 Feb 13

I think this story has been escalated out of proportion. It's not exactly a stairway to heaven is it?

Report this post »

truth must out says...
8:07am Fri 8 Feb 13

Vox populi wrote:
I think this story has been escalated out of proportion. It's not exactly a stairway to heaven is it?
It was supposed to give people a lift, and try and get them out of the downward trend..!!

Report this post »

gaillewisbraznell says...
11:42am Fri 8 Feb 13

Vox populi wrote:
I think this story has been escalated out of proportion. It's not exactly a stairway to heaven is it?
Thats clever. Made me smile.

Report this post »

Worcester Lad says...
2:03pm Fri 8 Feb 13

Not the most uplifting story iv'e read in fact it's going down hill fast (or not sofast in this case).I hope they take steps to sort it out soon.

Report this post »

Bravo, San Juan says...
9:28pm Fri 8 Feb 13

The only way is up from here

Report this post »

CYNIC_AL says...
9:40pm Fri 8 Feb 13

Ever heard of stairs or a lift?

Report this post »

pudniw_gib says...
6:24pm Sat 9 Feb 13

Perhaps its part of the anti obesity plan being put into action?

Report this post »

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree