Saltburn Tramway: Fire damage to Victorian lift 'extensive'

Smoke could be seen coming from the railway's building

A fire that broke out at a popular Victorian cliffside lift has caused extensive damage, a council has said.

Three engines from Cleveland Fire Brigade were called to Saltburn Bank on Tuesday.

The fire brigade said the fire started in the electrical plant room and the cause is believed to be electrical.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said the lift was closed for winter repairs and it was "too early to say" whether it would reopen for Easter.

Witness Paul Waugh, 60, from Brotton, said: "When I saw all the smoke it was so thick.

"I felt sad because it's a great attraction and just another setback for the lift."

The council said the fire had cause "extensive damage" to the building

Saltburn Cliff Lift is the oldest water-balanced funicular in the UK and the second oldest in the world.

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

It has been closed since 9 January for annual maintenance.

The 1884-built lift has been closed since 9 January for annual maintenance

Cleveland Fire and Rescue Service said there was "20% fire damage to the building".

Borough council leader Alec Brown said: "The attraction is very close to the hearts of many, and the efforts of the firefighters were greatly appreciated.

"Unfortunately, the damage to the station has been quite extensive."

Mr Brown said it was too early to say if the lift's planned reopening at Easter would go ahead.