Phased reopening of Scarborough's Victorian cliff lift being 'seriously considered'

Scarborough Spa Cliff Lift was closed in August with “immediate effect due to several issues” that had been identified with its infrastructure and critical components.

One of the most historic attractions in the seaside resort remains out of service, and at a meeting on Tuesday September 22, residents hit out at the “distressing” closure of the lift, which councillors warned is affecting local businesses.

A resident living at Esplanade Gardens said her partner was waiting for a hip operation and “can’t get down to the sea without the cliff lift”.

Speaking at a full meeting of Scarborough Town Council, she added: “I just think it’s disgusting, actually, that a 150-year-old enterprise in the 400th year of Scarborough and this is what happens.”

A report by the engineers has highlighted the issues with the cliff lift, which is one of the seaside town’s most popular heritage attractions.

Cllr Rich Maw, a town councillor who is also a member of North Yorkshire Council, told the meeting: “Officers have said they may be able to reopen the lift in a phased way.

"They’re exploring those options, and obviously it’s paramount that safety has to come first.”

He added: “Officers are telling me that having looked at the report and got to this stage, they are seriously exploring that option.

"Now, for me, members and the public will know that I have been calling for a shuttle bus.”

No timeline for a phased reopening was set out at Tuesday’s full meeting of the town council, at which members called for “an urgent” update from NYC.

Town mayor, Thomas Murray, said: “I’m tired of seeing our heritage deteriorate while residents wait for answers time and time again.

"Places such as the Spa Cliff Lift are part of our history, our identity and the town, and I want my son to grow up enjoying them.

“We’re pressing officers to move swiftly on this issue for clear dates and a replacement bus service if that’s possible.

"Now the Cliff Lift Report raises serious questions about maintenance and the response to early warnings.

“We want a clear commitment to a safe reopening.”

The lift dates from the Victorian era and was built in 1875 at a cost of about £8,000.

Coun David Knowles said: “I think that we ought to be writing this letter, and we need to understand the minimum works required, whether a phased opening is possible, estimated costs, indicative timescales, accessibility arrangements during the closure, and any longer-term works identified.”

Town councillors said they were in favour of a replacement shuttle bus service being arranged for visitors and residents.

Speaking at the meeting, resident Guy Smith also highlighted that Scarborough’s other funicular, the Central Tramway, remains open and called for clarity in public debates in order to avoid confusion that could negatively impact local businesses.

“We’ve got to be very careful how this is discussed,” he added.