It has been brought to the attention of District Councillor Charmaine Morgan that South Kesteven District Council residents in New Beacon Road were locked out of their home due to a key fob failure last week.
Residents affected included a pregnant lady and disabled lady.
Cllr Morgan said: “After some investigation it emerged the fobs had a default setting set to switch off. It had been believed the fobs would be replaced before that date, set over 10 years ago, but they were not.
“This issue affects other sites but sk officers hope to preempt issues elsewhere. I escalated this case to Cllr Reid. We both feel, to avoid further failure the old fobs should be replaced and not simply reactivated as officers currently plan.
“A more proactive way of reducing risk is needed.”
She continued: “It really is quite outrageous that people were locked out of their homes in the freezing cold. Had other tenants not been available to help I dread to think what could have happened.
“This is not the first failure.
“In August 2021 an electrical issue led to one tenant being locked out for two nights and forced to stay in a hotel.
“I recall old fashioned keys and locks.
“Perhaps SKDC should consider if the fobs are an acceptable solution if they risk leaving people on the street when they fail and they require physical scanning to clarify ownership which is not efficient.”
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