A historic tramway which was earlier this year ravaged by a fire is set to re-open following extensive repairs, it has been announced.
The Saltburn Cliff Tramway will finally re-open to take visitors on Friday (September 27) more than nine months after a devastating electrical fire caused significant damage in January.
The Grade II listed building is Britain's oldest water-balanced cliff funicular and was luckily closed for winter maintenance when the blaze broke out. Nobody was injured.
Repair works have been underway since May and teams have been working "tirelessly" to see it return to operation.
A statement on the attraction's Facebook page said: "We’re thrilled to announce that the Tramway is officially re-opening on Friday 27th September, after months of restoration following the unfortunate fire earlier this year.
"A huge thank you to everyone for your incredible patience while we restored our beloved Grade II listed building.
"Our team has been working tirelessly, and we cannot wait to welcome you all back to ride the oldest water-balanced funicular still in operation in Great Britain."
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Cllr Carrie Richardson, Cabinet Member for Climate and Culture and Deputy leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council, added: “This is great news. The word ‘iconic’ can be overused but it is absolutely the right word for the Saltburn Tramway. It is famous across the country and has been much loved right here in the Tees Valley for many generations – so it’s wonderful to see it back to all its glory once again.
“It has been frustrating that the work took a long time, especially in the summer months. However, our visitors have understood that it had to be carefully restored and it needed specialist work done thoroughly. We also took the opportunity to undertake a full maintenance programme and we are keeping it open for longer hours every day until January. Come on down to Saltburn and enjoy the wonderful funicular once again!”
Saltburn Tramway is thought to be the oldest water-balanced funicular in the UK and the second oldest in the world. It was initially closed on January 9 for maintenance and the fire occurred on January 16.
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