Scarborough cliff lift closure causing business confusion, manager says

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 19:00 · Archive

The closure of Britain's oldest cliff lift has created confusion damaging other Scarborough businesses.

Colin Powell, general manager of the Central Tramway Company in Scarborough, says confusion over the closure of Britain's oldest cliff lift has negatively impacted his business and others in the area. The Victoria Spa Cliff Lift, which operated at a different location, closed in August. Powell's Central Tramway Company, which serves South Bay Beach and has operated for over 145 years, remains open.

The family-run business, owned by the same family since the 1960s and currently employing around 15 staff, has been inundated with mistaken reports about its own status since the Victoria Spa closure. Powell said: 'The confusion around it is impacting our business and others around it.' He noted that the company has received messages from as far away as the south coast from people saying they would miss the lift.

Powell described cliff lifts as 'a piece of heritage' and 'part of the community'. For some users, he said, the lift is vital for elderly visitors who would struggle to navigate down to the shoreline. Others value the experience for its nostalgia and as time spent with family. Powell expressed sadness at the closure of the Victoria Spa lift and hope that it will reopen.

How it is being reported

• Historic cliff lift closure confusion damaging local trade, says managerColin Powell has said confusion over the closure of Britain’s oldest cliff lift - the Victoria Spa Cliff Lift - has negatively impacted the business he runs.The Press (York) · 9 Oct, 18:19
• Historic cliff lift closure confusion damaging local trade, says managerColin Powell has said confusion over the closure of Britain’s oldest cliff lift - the Victoria Spa Cliff Lift - has negatively impacted the business he runs.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 9 Oct, 18:19

In this story: Colin Powell · Central Tramway Company · Scarborough · Victoria Spa Cliff Lift · South Bay Beach

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