Delays in sourcing specialist spare parts are preventing the area’s rare and iconic Cliff Lift from returning to service, with the popular attraction remaining closed during one of the busiest periods of the year.
In an update issued to residents and visitors on social media, Shanklin Town Councillor, Michael Beston, said he had spoken directly with the Isle of Wight Council team responsible for the lift’s maintenance contract and had been told the current delay was down to difficulties obtaining the components needed to complete repairs.
The matter was chased again earlier this week, with the Isle of Wight Council continuing to press the contractor for an update on when the required parts will become available.
The prolonged closure has disappointed both residents and holidaymakers, particularly during the peak summer season when the lift provides an important link between Shanklin town centre and the Esplanade.
Cllr Beston said the lift is not only an iconic landmark but also a vital transport link for those with limited mobility, families with young children, local businesses and the wider tourism economy.
He added that while the Isle of Wight Council has previously invested heavily in refurbishing and maintaining the lift to secure its long-term future, sourcing replacement parts for ageing infrastructure can prove challenging.
Michael Beston, Shanklin Town Councillor, has said:
“I know many residents and visitors are disappointed that the Shanklin Cliff Lift remains out of service, particularly during the busy summer season.
Article continues below this advertisement “I have spoken directly with the Isle of Wight Council’s team who manage the lift maintenance contract, and I have been advised that the current delay is due to difficulties in sourcing the specialist spare parts required to complete the repair.
“The Shanklin Cliff Lift is an iconic landmark and an essential link between the town and the seafront. It is particularly important for those with limited mobility, families with young children, local businesses and our tourism economy.
“Please be assured that I, together with Shanklin Town Council, will continue to seek regular updates and press for the lift to be returned to service as quickly and safely as possible.”
The latest update comes after the Cliff Lift was forced to close following a technical fault.
As previously reported by Island Echo, engineers were called in to assess the Victorian attraction after it was taken out of service unexpectedly, with the Isle of Wight Council confirming specialist repairs were required before it could safely reopen.
The Cliff Lift has long been regarded as one of Shanklin’s best-known landmarks, having been constructed in 1958, and provides an important connection between the clifftop and the seafront. It has undergone several major refurbishment projects over the years as the Isle of Wight Council seeks to preserve the historic structure for future generations.
Cllr Beston says he will continue seeking updates from the Isle of Wight Council and the contractor, with further information to be shared as soon as it becomes available.
This sounds too much like the floating bridge or the traffic lights at the Hare and Hounds junction requiring ‘Special parts’, c’mon just tell the truth for once, the lift there is past it’s sell by date and hasn’t been upgraded for years hence the part is more or less unavailable. Lack of regular servicing could have prevented this most likely
Sounds like the essential employee has gone Awol.
Must be quite hard to get hold of wooden cogs now days 😉
This council statement makes no sense, I presume the council holds the blueprints for this structure, therefore any competant engineering shop could manufacture mehanicsal replacements in a matter of days to the tolerances and specifications required, if it is electrical , any industrial based electrical engineers could again make up what is required if they do not already hold such parts on the shelf, if it is structural then you have serious issues.
Too be honest the walkway into the Lift has looked
dodgy for years, only a matter of time before that comes
away from the cliff.
I cannot believe all the old buildings in the old Spa Car Park
have been sitting in a poor state for years, they used to
be nice cafes and shops back in the 80’s
If a specialist spare part for the project is required, that part should be kept as stock item. Bad management again, as with traffic light parts
Lol. Always the ‘specialist’ part!! Usually coming from Germany is the excuse. Same at care homes I visit when the lifts aren’t working….
There is two lifts on site so why are both out of action ?? do they both need the same part ?? if not why cant they use parts from one lift to get the other one working ?? ..these lifts were fitted about 7-8yr ago by Temple Lifts and have never worked properly for long periods .The Otis lifts were fitted around 1957 and ran for 62yrs with only minor problems !!