Cliff lift reopens for summer holidays

July 19, 2018 by Joanna

Southend’s historic cliff lift is to reopen to the public in time for the summer holidays – and new volunteers are now being sought to help run it.

The lift – which has been a popular attraction with tourists since it opened in August 1912 – has been out of operation since May last year, when it regularly started breaking down. Repairs were completed this week and now the Council is seeking new recruits to bolster its volunteer numbers.

The lift will operate between 10am and 3pm every Saturday and Sunday. Any new volunteers will be given full training.

Trips on the lift cost just 50p per person per journey and any income goes towards its maintenance.

Cllr Lesley Salter, cabinet member for healthy communities and wellbeing, said: “I’m delighted to see the popular historic cliff lift back in operation in time for the school summer holidays.

“This promises to be a bumper summer for Southend, with a varied activities calendar to suit all tastes, including organised walks, music and events on the pier and both Southend Pride and The Southend Festival in full swing.

“Volunteering at the cliff lift is a fun opportunity to help welcome visitors to our great town, meet new people and learn new skills, so I encourage anyone with the time and passion for our town to get in touch.” 

To express an interest in volunteering, please email museumvolunteers@southend.gov.uk or phone the Volunteer Support Team on 01702 534887.

The Council is also looking for volunteers with a passion for the town to get involved in our new Visitor Welcome Host schema. Southend is a great place to visit and a local welcome can make that visit even more enjoyable. The town also has many hidden gems and we hope the volunteers will want to tell visitors about their favourites. To find out more please email makesouthendsparkle@southend.gov.uk or call 01702 212251.

For further information about events taking place in the borough, please visit www.visitsouthend.co.uk or follow them on Twitter (@VisitSouthend) or Facebook (@VisitSouthenonSea).

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