Folkestone Leas Lift - Back in Operation

After a years closure, Folkestone Leas Cliff Lift, operating between the Lower Leas and Leas in central Folkestone, reopened on Saturday. The lift has been refurbished and is now being run by a Community Interest Company.

The first weekend trade was brisk with over 500 users in the first day and a half. The lift is planned to operate 9-5.30 on Tuesday - Sunday - more information is available at www.leasliftfolkestone.co.uk

Folkestone Councillor Tim Prater said:

"It's fantastic to see the lift back in use. By the time I used it on Sunday lunchtime, I was ticket 471 - really impressive as the first ticket was only sold at 9am on Saturday! When I got there, a queue of people waiting to use the lift going up the cliff extended back out through the door of the bottom 'terminal' - a fantastic boost to the team that have taken on running it.

"Its a shame that the lift was ever closed, and the demand to use it now it reopens shows how shortsighted Shepway Council's decision to do so was, and that working with others, a much smoother transition would have been possible. The lift will be 125 years old in September - being back up and running is a great birthday present in itself."