‘Crazy to consider’ closure of historic Yorkshire cliff lift despite 'number of issues'
‘Every opportunity’ must be taken to reopen the landmark Victorian cliff lift in a popular North Yorkshire town, residents have said.
Scarborough Spa Cliff Lift was closed in August with “immediate effect due to a number of issues” that had been identified with its infrastructure and critical components. A month later, one of the most historic attractions in the seaside resort remains out of service with no clear date for its reopening. Ahead of a council meeting to discuss the issue, residents and visitors have said that the “untenable” situation should be resolved as quickly as possible. In August, North Yorkshire Council decided to shut the lift to ensure the public’s safety following an independent assessment by specialist engineers. Scarborough councillors have tabled a motion at a full meeting of the town council on Tuesday, September 22 to consider the recent closure and “the prospects for reopening the lift”. The lift dates from the Victorian era and was built in 1875 at a cost of about £8,000. Readers had their say on how to secure the future of the landmark and what should be done by the council in the comments section of The Press website and on Facebook. One reader called John said: “For people with accessibility needs, both residents and our much-needed demographic of tourists, the situation is untenable.
“No updates, no alternative means of transport. Scarborough is being treated with disdain by North Yorkshire Council.” Suzanne stated: “If they leave it long enough, it will be beyond repair and they won’t have to spend money on it…shame on them.” Wendy commented: “The cliffs will need stabilising regardless of the lift.
“The lift is a lifeline for those staying on the esplanade and side streets, especially those visiting The Spa.
“The very Spa that needs visitors to pay its bills, and given that The Spa had millions of pounds spent on it, it’s crazy to even consider it closing permanently.” Rich commented: “With winter approaching, nothing will happen for at least a few months. On one page, someone was hoping it would be open for next summer. I don’t think there is any chance of that happening.” Alison said: “This wonderful piece of Scarborough’s heritage really must be given every opportunity to be saved. “The Spa Cliff Lift isn’t simply an old lift. Opened in 1875, it is a Grade II listed, nationally important piece of Victorian engineering and an integral part of the South Cliff, Spa and Gardens heritage landscape.” She suggested that North Yorkshire Council should work with South Cliff Gardens, Historic England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund to explore a conservation-led repair and reinstatement programme – including external heritage funding and, importantly, a long-term maintenance plan to protect it for the future”.
She added: “The question shouldn’t simply be ‘can we afford to repair it?’
“It should be ‘what partnership and funding package could enable Scarborough to save it for future generations?’”