Calls to save Whitby Cliff Lift as Councillors push for further investigation
Thousands of people have signed a petition to save it
Councillors have urged North Yorkshire Council (NYC) to carry out further investigations before making a final decision on the future of the Whitby Cliff Lift, which has been closed since 2022.
The lift, which first opened in 1931, provided access between the promenade and beach chalets and is considered part of the town’s historic infrastructure. It was closed three years ago after corrosion was discovered, and NYC has since recommended that it be permanently decommissioned.
At a recent meeting of the Whitby and Scarborough Area Constituency Committee, councillors supported a motion calling for additional surveys to be conducted before any decision is confirmed.
A petition launched by Councillor Phil Trumper opposing the closure has gathered over 5,600 signatures, reflecting community interest in the issue. In addition, a letter sent to the council in July called for local consultation and further technical assessment before progressing with decommissioning plans.
Some engineering assessments have offered differing views. Engineers from Anglo American, who previously carried out work in the area, reported the lift shaft to be relatively dry, despite earlier reports citing water ingress as a concern.
The council has not yet made a final decision. Further assessments and consultations are expected before the future of the Cliff Lift is determined.