Still closed for essential maintenance
JM Turner, Knipe Point Drive, Scarborough
I read with interest in The Scarborough News of August 25 your report on an incident at the Central Tramway Cliff Lift.
Of course there is also another lift situated near the Scarborough Spa Complex which was constructed in the late 1800s and was originally powered by water. This was subsequently changed to work by electricity.
Since September 2021 this has not operated, after a report by the council's insurance agents required essential works to be carried out before it could reopen.
In the third week of March this year I contacted Scarborough Council asking when the
lift would be in operation and was told "This does not belong to Scarborough Borough Council-it belongs to the Spa Complex ". This information was found to be not correct.
On April 6 I wrote to the council asking when the lift would be operating as the week after would be Easter and many people and visitors would require the service. This letter was not answered for over almost seven weeks, and a further reminder dated May 21 was not answered for almost three weeks.
On June 9 I wrote a personal letter to the chief executive which was not answered. I have since visited the council offices and was greeted by a very rude member of staff who said in a very abrupt manner :" The lift is broken - it's been in the paper".
I have worked in local government for over 38 years and during that time anybody speaking to me in that manner would have been reprimanded.
As of today, no information has been available as to when the lift will reopen and nobody seems to be bothered when the service will be in operation.
Some hotels in Scarborough who have visitors requiring the lift have declined to take bookings, and one hotel has providedalternative transport at their own expense.
People who have difficulty in walking or are in electric buggies have very limited access to the Spa and its shows so this will be a problem with show attendances.
•When the issue was raised by The Scarborough News with the council, a spokesperson said: “Works are continuing on the cliff lift and progressing well. We hope to be able to provide another update, with an indication of a reopening schedule, in the near future.” SCARBOROUGH SAMARITANS
‘As of today, no information has been available as to when the lift will reopen’