Mr and Mrs Davies have lived in the Gwalia for 50 years

Herbert Davies, 94, and his wife Margaret, 89, from Llandrindod Wells in Powys, say they have been told it could take six months before it is fixed.

Powys Council, which owns the couple's third-floor flat, said it had offered them alternative accommodation.

But the charity said the lift had to be repaired "without any further delay".

The lift in the Victorian building has already been out of action for three months, leaving the pair isolated in their home of 50 years.

Powys Council said it was "working hard to solve the problem as quickly as possible".

The couple's independence has been taken away from them Iwan Rhys Roberts, Help the Aged

Friends and relatives of the couple have been forced to deliver their shopping to their flat in the historic, council-owned Gwalia building.

It is listed for its historic interest, which means repairs have to be carried out in accordance with strict guidelines.

Three flights of stairs separate the couple from the outside world and Mrs Davies said she had managed to go out only a couple of times to shop.

Iwan Rhys Roberts of Help the Aged in Wales said: "The Gwalia may be a listed building, but it is also Mr and Mrs Davies' home - the couple's independence has been taken away from them.

"Mr and Mrs Davies are being denied access to things most people take for granted, such as being able to pop down to the shops to buy milk or just to go out for a walk."

Mr Roberts said their well-being and quality of life was "being unduly compromised".

"It is a matter of urgency that the lift is repaired or replaced without any further delay," he stressed.

Brecon and Radnorshire AM Kirsty Williams is concerned too.

"I am very concerned at the length of time Powys County Council says it will take to replace this lift," she said.

Mr Davies worked as a council caretaker in Llandrindod Wells

"It is obviously not safe for these vulnerable people to be in this situation and as the individuals involved are not happy to move, which is perfectly understandable, the council must act as quickly as possible to resolve the issue."

Earlier this month, Mrs Davies said climbing the stairs with bags of shopping was "very difficult" for someone of her age.

Mr Davies, a former council caretaker and who served with the Royal Navy during World War II, was given the three-bedroom flat with his job and stayed on when he retired.

Mrs Davies added: "We are virtually prisoners in our own home. We've been told it could be six months until the lift is fixed."

A council spokeswoman said earlier this month that the lift had required "considerable maintenance" in the past to keep it going.

She added: "Recently, however, it has suffered major problems and cannot be used for health and safety reasons. The council is looking to replace the lift.

"Removing a lift and installing a replacement in a listed building is a specialist task and unfortunately is unlikely to be completed for several months."