'No firm date' to reopen fire hit cliff lift

The fire at the popular attraction saddened visitors to Saltburn

Repairs are under way at a fire-damaged Victorian cliff lift, but no firm date has been set for its re-opening.

A "heartbreaking" fire caused extensive damage to Saltburn's cliffside tramway in January.

Permission has now been granted to allow repairs to take place at the Grade II listed attraction.

However, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's deputy leader Carrie Richardson said it is "very difficult" to give a date for when the tramway will reopen.

Because of its historic significance, repair works could not begin until permission was granted on 1 May.

'Ensure safety'

"One of the main requirements to get it back up and running is the installation of a new control system," Ms Richardson said.

"Once everything is repaired, we still need to carry out a programme of planned winter maintenance, which happens every year before opening.

"This was obviously put on hold due to the fire, but it’s still a vital part of our process to ensure people’s safety."

Saltburn's cliff lift has transported passengers from the town to the pier and beach since opening to the public in 1884.

Until the fire, it was reportedly the oldest water-balanced cliff funicular still operating in Britain, and the second oldest in the world.

January's fire began in the electrical plant room, according to Cleveland Fire Brigade.