FOI release

Lift in RVP

Case reference FOI2026/01502

Received 11 September 2026

Published 29 September 2026

Request

I would like to request under the FOIA 2000 the following: - on how many occasions in the past 12 months the lift in the Royal Victoria Place (by Boots) has been out of action - for each of these occasions, how many days it has been out of action - why the lift has been out of action, and what the council has done about it

Response

 

The centre team who undertake the operational management of RVP on behalf of the council advise that 16 event are recorded for this lift (Lift 20) since 22 September 2025. The team do not hold the down time for each event, but advise that the lift is usually repaired and returned to service the same day or the following day.

 

There were two key exceptions to this in the reporting period. The lift was down early Feb 26 with a control processor failure and was returned to service on the 1st May 26 following replacement of the unit. It was again down from 11th August 2026 due to hydraulics failure which resulted in the need for replacement and refurbishment of the lift control gear and hydraulics . This work is due for completion 22nd Oct 26.

 

The centre team have an ongoing planned maintenance programme for the centre which includes the maintenance and repair of the lifts, including lift 20. Unfortunately despite this, the lift has some age and still goes wrong, and it is not always a quick process to obtain the replacement parts required to remedy the issues, depending on the cause of the breakdown. In the event of a breakdown the centre team respond promptly to ensure that a quick and effective remedy is available so get the lift back in action as soon as possible.

Documents

There are no documents for this release.

This is Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.