Fire-damaged cliff lift to reopen

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.

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.