PLANS to permanently close a historic seaside cliff lift have sparked backlash from local groups.
Campaigners have criticised the proposal, arguing the historic significance of the lift as well as its role in providing disability access to the seafront area.
Whitby’s Cliff Lift was first opened in 1931, transporting beachgoers down a vertical shaft for over 90 years.
The lift, located on the town’s North Terrace, became a “staple of the town’s history” before shutting temporarily in 2022 due to corrosion and water damage.
Now North Yorkshire Council has outlined plans to permanently close the attraction after estimating repair costs would total around £5.5 million.
Campaigners have met the plans with backlash, emphasising the continued need for the lift.
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Alison Hume, MP for Scarborough and Whitby called for the council to backtrack restore the lift to its former use.
“The Whitby Cliff Lift is part of Whitby’s identity as well as providing vital access to the beach from the West Cliff,” she said.
“This is a good opportunity to invest in a town which brings so much value to the county as a golden tourism goose.”
And campaigner Andy Jefferson told the BBC that the beach could risk losing its blue flag accessible beach award if the lift was permanently scrapped.
He described the access route as “imperative” to the beach’s status and warned of the “significant” detriment its loss posed to the area’s tourism.
A spokesperson for the Whitby Community Network shared similar concerns when speaking to The Yorkshire Post.
“Setting aside the fact that the Cliff Lift building is actually a non-designated heritage asset and so should be proportioned a level of protection, it has a critical importance,” they said.
“That is, providing access to Whitby sea wall to many elderly and disabled people who either live in the town or visit – the town has double the national average of over-60s and the visitor age profile is not seen as so dissimilar.”
North Yorkshire Council’s corporate director of environment, Karl Battersby, said: “We understand how important access to the seafront in Whitby is for residents and visitors alike. The cliff lift has been a staple of the town’s history, and we are not taking a decision lightly.
“For the lift to be brought back into use, there would be significant costs for repairs and ongoing maintenance, and there remains uncertainty surrounding the need for waterproofing the shaft.
“We have listened to the views of the local community and our executive members will discuss its future on March 17, considering how many people used it and making an informed decision that ensures we use taxpayers’ money wisely.”