Britain's oldest cliff lift built in 1800s closes over 'safety concerns'

Britain's oldest cliff lift, which opened in the 1875, has closed with immediate effect.

The lift in the popular seaside town of Scarborough, Yorkshire was closed due to safety concerns .

The oldest of its kind , the lift was used to transport passengers between the hotels on the Esplanade and the spa.

The attraction, which cost £8,000 to build, was originally powered by water and gas engines.

The Victorian-era Scarborough Spa Cliff Lift was converted to run on electricity in the 1950s.

It is one of the town's popular heritage attractions, but engineers found that the lift had "a number of issues".

Live performances and exhibitions were held in the town last year to celebrate its 150th anniversary, The Sun reports.

Council Carl Les, councillor with North Yorkshire, said that the lift "is an important part of Scarborough's history and identity".

No decisions have been made about the scope of any future works, timescales or, he added.

The latest report investigated the condition of the tracks, carriages and associated infrastructure, the council said.

The council said that the findings would be assessed in detail and further updates would be shared.

The lift operated is in a coastal environment, which could accelerate wear and corrosion.