The 14-year-old Blackheath resident has cerebral palsy and uses a power wheelchair to get around, but the only elevator that services all floors of her school has a history of breakdowns during winter.

Bella loves going to school and particularly enjoys music and drama classes, but says every time she uses the lift now she whispers to herself “please don’t break down”.

The elevator was out of order at least four times between May and July in 2008, including one occasion when it stopped while Bella was alone inside.

Despite minor repairs being done, the lift stopped working again on June 12, leaving Bella stranded in a classroom on the third floor until she was assisted back down by the NSW Fire Brigade and Police Rescue services.

A teacher who also requires use of the lift due to a medical condition was also left stranded that day.

Transfield, the company maintaining the lift, replaced the main panel following the latest breakdown, but Bella and her mother, Angie, say it’s time the Department installed a new lift at the school.

“The lift is prehistoric and it’s so small I can barely fit inside in my power chair with a friend to help me,” Bella said.

“It’s also located on the far end of the school, so it sometimes takes me five minutes extra to get to class.

Continued from page 1.

“I was really scared when I got stuck last year — I was so grateful the principal was there that I gave her a big hug afterwards.”

Angie said she owed the emergency services crews that came to Bella’s attention a huge ‘thank you’.

“I am informed that cold weather affects the operation of the lift, but other public buildings in the Blue Mountains provide safe and reliable lifts regardless of the climatic conditions.

“When the lift breaks down Bella ends up staying at home or in the school library until it get another band aid repair job.

“I ask myself whether this will be a regular winter ordeal for the people who rely on this lift.

“I’m not someone who says this kind of thing is okay.”

The school has a newer and reliable lift in the two-level library, but it does not provide access to the rest of the main building.

The Gazette asked the Department of Education and Training what action it will take to ensure all students can access the upper storeys of Katoomba High School should the elevator break down again, but a response was not received at the time of going to press.