Residents of a block of flats are furious because they have been waiting for three months for a door intercom to be repaired.

Parcels have been left outside and callers disappear after waiting in vain to be let into the block because the doorbell and intercom on the front door of the six-storey block is broken.

Donald Smith, 75, one of the frustrated residents at Barclay House, Wellington Road, Brighton, said: "It's mostly elderly people living here.

"What if there was an emergency and a doctor or ambulance people had to get in?

"Parcels have been left outside because the postmen can't get in and people leave when they can't get anyone's attention."

Many of the residents have contacted Brighton and Hove City Council to complain.

But Mr Smith, who lives with his wife Elizabeth, said: "There are lots of stories but I was told the council is waiting to get a price for it because they might not be able to afford to pay for it to be repaired."

Mr Smith said some residents were concerned that the main door was being left open for a set time during the day.

He said after that time no one could get into the block unless they had a key.

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said residents would soon get a new entry system, including handsets in their own flats, at a cost of £5,750.

The spokesman said: "When it was discovered the old system was a written off, we had to tender for the new equipment which has caused the delay.

"There are four leaseholders in the block who by law have to be given four weeks notice of any work, which will take the starting date up to March 18."