Whitby Cliff Lift Remains Closed as Council Considers Options
Whitby's historic Cliff Lift remains closed due to ongoing structural issues, with no confirmed date for its reopening. The lift, which first opened in 1931, has been out of service since April 2022 after corrosion was discovered in its structure. The lift provides access from the cliff top down to the beach via a 221ft pedestrian tunnel.
A report prepared for local councillors say that a key problem facing the lift is the steady increase in water ingress, leading to corrosion and requiring frequent replacement of operational parts. Some parts need to be renewed annually due to this issue. Additionally, the top station building requires structural repairs due to cracking in the brick pillars and a bowing roof. The building houses the lift's lifting gear, which would need to be removed or protected during repairs. Further complicating matters is the need for a new ventilation system to reduce humidity and mitigate ongoing problems.
The report says that while it is technically possible to restore the lift, doing so wouldn't address the underlying issues of water ingress and ventilation. This means significant ongoing costs would be required for maintenance, part replacements, and the employment of a seasonal lift operator. Previously, the council offered free lift passes to chalet users and charged other passengers, but this income didn't cover operating costs. For the past three summers, the council has provided a free bus service as a temporary replacement for the lift.
Currently, no formal decision has been made regarding the future of the lift. Align Property Partners have been commissioned to conduct surveys and further work to provide more accurate cost estimates. Ultimately, the decision on the lift's future will be made by the council's Executive, in consultation with local members.
Nine Minutes from Glory: Heartbreak for Boro as Macclesfield Snatch Late Replay
East Riding Mum Ventures Change To System After Second Term Time Holiday Fine
North Yorkshire Faces Major Challenge to Prepare Local Plan in 30 Months
Pre-Halloween Spooktacular Will Raise Vital Funds For Scarborough Hospice
Scarborough Foster Couple To Run New Support Hub For Vulnerable Children
Record Numbers Of Young People Explore Future Careers At East Yorkshire Apprenticeship Expo
Historic Sleights Pub Set To Reopen Under New Local Ownership
Patients Could Opt Out of Care Over NHS Data Platform Fears, Councillors Warned
New Noodle Takeaway Planned For Flagship Filey Holiday Park
Scarborough Construction Skills Village To Reopen Following £2 Million Investment
Classic Cars Set To Begin Epic 500-Mile Roman Road Journey From Robin Hood's Bay
Proposed Tourist Tax Sparks Fear Among Yorkshire Coast Accommodation Providers
Comments
Add a comment