Angry pensioners at a sheltered housing complex fear someone may have a heart attack before the building's unreliable lift is replaced.

The lift at Ivy Bank Court, in Baildon, has broken down three times this week.

Last Saturday, three pensioners became trapped in the lift and had to be rescued by firefighters.

The ongoing problem means many residents are terrified to use the lift, forcing them to stay in their rooms or use the steps in the four-floor building.

Bradford Community Housing Trust, which runs the complex, said an engineer would carry out an investigation on Monday to try to resolve the "intermittent fault".

Resident Eileen Patefield said: "We are getting scared to go in it. They keep sending somebody to sort it out but it just breaks down again a few days later. It must be costing them a fortune.

"It broke down on Sunday and Monday, which meant half the people couldn't come down to the communal room for bingo.

"The lift has been in here since this building was built and they need a new lift now. The situation is just crazy at the moment."

Neighbour Coreen Clark said: "I have had a hip operation and I have angina and I have to come up three flights of steps. It's no joke walking up those steps.

"I have lived here for 16 years and we have had this problem on and off but it's getting worse.

"Three or four of them were trapped on Saturday and they had to fetch the fire brigade. Two of them were 83. At this rate, they'll end up with someone having a heart attack in the lift."

Lorraine O'Brien, executive director of Shipley Community Housing Trust, said: "Unfortunately there has been an intermittent fault to the lift at ivy Bank Court but the lift is currently working.

"Our engineers are contracted to respond within two hours and each time they have responded accordingly in order to minimise any inconvenience to tenants.

"We are currently looking at a programme of improvements for our sheltered housing schemes. As part of this review we will be considering the possible replacement of any failing equipment such as lifts."