A PIECE of history has been uncovered as a major programme of refurbishment is carried out on the Saltburn Cliff Tramway.

Original features are being restored and Victorian designs followed as much as possible as part of the overhaul of the 1884-built ‘cliff lift.’

Work has been carried out to strip the mechanical workings of the lift back into component pieces. Numerous items have had to be repaired or replaced following detailed investigation due to the age of the lift.

Components from the time Britain’s oldest water balanced tramway was first built have been found and restored whenever possible, including original cast iron fittings.

Damaged parts – particularly a number of cast iron fittings such as wedges, rollers, baseplates and axle boxes – are being melted down and recast in the original style.

Councillor Carl Quartermain, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's cabinet member for tourism, culture and communications, said: “The tramway is simply iconic and a wonderful part of our tourism offer. It’s fantastic to see this refurbishment coming together so well so it can be enjoyed for many generations to come.”

Contractors, Rapid Consulting Engineers, have focused on using local specialist companies with the restoration works, including William Lane Foundry in Middlesbrough.

Steel fabricators, Langtons, in Northallerton and In-Spec Manufacturing have also been contracted to make sure the Grade II-listed structure and parts, including new steel sleepers which are in keeping with the historic lift. A number of other local companies have been engaged within the supply chain to complete the project.

Dave McKay, site manager, said: “I’d retired in 2016, but when I got the call from Rapid Consulting Engineers, I just thought, ‘this is a one-off opportunity,’ and I couldn’t wait to start, especially after living in Marske, nearby, for many years. There’s been plenty of challenges as you would expect but it’s worth it to see something so iconic being restored so well. The interest from the public has been phenomenal.”

Mark Robinson, director at Rapid Consulting, added: “As you might expect with something of this age, the refurbishment has taken a lot of work to ensure the repairs are sympathetic to the listed status and remain functional and safe for many years to come."

The lift should reopen in time for the summer season.