Cliff lift closed due to public safety concerns

A coastal cliff lift has been closed with immediate effect to ensure public safety, North Yorkshire Council has confirmed.

An assessment of Scarborough Spa Cliff Lift, which was built in 1875, found "a number of issues" with its infrastructure and critical components, resulting in its closure.

Councillor Carl Les said "the lift is an important part of Scarborough's history and identity" but no decisions had been made "regarding the scope of any future works, timescales or funding arrangements".

The findings would be assessed in detail and further updates would be shared "in due course", the council added.

The Victorian-era cliff lift is one of the seaside town's popular heritage attractions.

Heralded as "a marvel of Victorian engineering", it was used to transport passengers between the hotels on the Esplanade and the spa.

It cost £8,000 to build and was originally powered by water and gas engines until it was converted to run on electricity in the 1950s.

Last year, the council marked its 150th anniversary with a host of live performances, activities and heritage exhibitions.

The lift has been subject to routine assessments and maintenance over the years, but the latest report was a detailed engineering survey focused on the condition of the tracks, carriages and associated infrastructure, the council said.

Its location, in a "challenging coastal environment", could accelerate wear and corrosion, it added.

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