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Fire-damaged cliff lift to reopen

Paul Waugh The Saltburn Cliff Lift before it was damaged. At the bottom of the cliff, there is a red and white building with a sign that reads: "Saltburn Pier". In the foreground, two red, white and grey trams can be seen on a rail track ascending/ descending the cliff.Paul Waugh
The Saltburn Cliff Lift has been described as "iconic"

A fire-damaged cliffside lift will reopen, following major repairs.

Saltburn's Victorian cliffside tramway was severely damaged in January, when an electrical fire broke out in the pump room.

The Grade II-listed attraction will open on Friday, and will stay open into January to allow residents and visitors to enjoy it, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council say.

The pay-for lift operates on a tramway connecting the pier to the old town, allowing people to avoid climbing the 173 steps up the cliff.

It was initially closed on 9 January for maintenance, and the fire broke out on 15 January.

A full rewire and replacement of the bespoke equipment was needed following the blaze.

A "full maintenance programme" and improvements to the control system had also taken place, the local authority said.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council The fire damaged pump room has burnt out walls and insulation hanging out of the ceiling. The room had red cupboards and various electrical equipment on the wall, which all appear to be fire-damaged.Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council
The electrical fire started in the Grade-II listed pump room in January

Special permissions were needed before the work could start, the council said.

Councillor Carrie Richardson said: "The word 'iconic' can be overused but it is absolutely the right word for the Saltburn Tramway.

"It has been frustrating that the work took a long time, especially in the summer months."

Ms Richardson added that it was "wonderful to see it back to all its glory once again".

The tramway will reopen from 10:30 BST on Friday.

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