Help - can't open loft hatch

[topless360]

We've recently moved into our new flat and the loft hatch has a hole in it which I can only assume needs some kind of key to open it.

Is anybody able to advise on what tool I need? It also looks like our decorator painted over the edges of the hatch so it should be interesting getting it open.

I've posted a couple of pics below:

[topless360]

Rosscow said:

Come on OP, surely you don't need a thread for this!!?

I definitely do, I'm useless when it comes to such matters. So much so I had to call IKEA twice just to assemble some flat pack furniture (maybe I shouldn't admit to that on a public forum...)

Anywho, got to love PH, flat screwdriver has worked a treat. Thanks chaps!

[topless360]

Thread ressurection!
With the help of this thread I got mine open. Have you painted yours recently?
Check that there's no paint binding it shut.

Apart from that I'm out of ideas.