A Wellingborough resident was left trapped in a lift at the Swansgate Shopping Centre earlier this week, sparking fresh concerns from the community regarding safety and building maintenance at the site. The incident, which caused the shopper anxiety and minor injuries, has brought renewed focus to the long-standing infrastructure problems affecting the town centre destination.
The Swansgate Shopping Centre, which is the second-largest shopping hub in Northamptonshire, is home to over 40 stores. While the shopping centre itself is owned by a third party, the adjoining multi-storey car park and the pedestrian bridge connecting it to the shops are owned by North Northamptonshire Council.
Residents have long voiced frustrations over the upkeep of these council-owned areas. A persistent leak in the roof of the pedestrian bridge has been reported since at least October 2024, with shoppers describing the area as an accident waiting to happen due to wet and slippery conditions. Previous maintenance issues also include a period in June 2023 when all six lifts linking the car park to the centre were out of order, creating significant difficulties for visitors, particularly those with disabilities.
Local shopper Petra Traynor, who has frequently raised concerns about the bridge area, stated that members of the public deserve to feel safe when visiting the town centre. Under UK safety legislation, property owners and building managers are legally required to maintain passenger lifts through comprehensive contracts and ensure a prompt response during emergencies. Responsibility for the safe release of passengers from a lift lies with the property owner or occupier, and officials note that fire and rescue services should only be called if there is a medical emergency.
These latest concerns emerge as the council also weighs proposals regarding other town centre infrastructure, including a potential sale of the Jackson’s Lane car park. Community members are now calling for a closer look at how maintenance and emergency procedures are managed at the shopping centre to ensure the safety of visitors.
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