Saltburn Cliff Tramway’s carriages were taken for some winter TLC as part of a wider refurbishment programme on the Victorian attraction.
Under December sunshine, locally-sourced staff from Rapid Consulting Engineers and J Hewitt Crane Hire lifted the Victorian carriages off the track and drove them to a safe storage site for an inspection and refurbishment works, as well as any necessary repairs, before the attraction reopens in the spring.
The painstaking work of getting the carriages, and the base/wheels of the trams, off the tracks had to be slightly delayed after strong winds scuppered plans last week but clear skies allowed the operation to take place today (Wednesday 13 December).
Taking off the carriages is just one small part of wider works to the Saltburn Cliff Tramway with work also taking place on the tramway’s tracks to ensure smooth running for years to come, as well as new and improved lighting and fencing to make the attraction even more appealing to visitors.
Cllr Carl Quartermain, Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Communications, said: “The Saltburn Cliff Tramway is one of the most popular attractions in Redcar and Cleveland, and one of the best of its kind in the country. Past refurbishments have helped maintain the Victorian grandeur of the tramway and these works will continue that.
“In 2016 we had the highest visitor numbers ever thanks to increased marketing from the council and a better awareness of the tramway in the wider North East, and this year we were on track to set another record before having to close it early so we could get a head start on the works.”
To find out more about the Saltburn Cliff Tramway go to www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/clifftramway.