A heavily pregnant woman had to walk down 11 flights of stairs - because neither of the lifts in her block of flats was working.

Heidi Simmons, who is due to have her second baby later this month, lives on the 11th floor of Lionel Oxley House off Argent Street in Grays.

Stair strife - for pregnant Heidi Sammons and daughter Renie Bell, three

She said: "I had to go out because I had to see the midwife.

"One of the lifts hasn't been working since before Christmas and today the other one broke down.

"We've told the council about the lifts, but nothing's been done."

A spokesman for Thurrock Council said: "Our lift contractor was alerted as soon as the problem was reported.

"As stipulated in their contract, they attended the scene within two hours. We apologise to residents for any inconvenience."

Published Thursday, January 9, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo