ONE of Bournemouth’s cliff lifts needs to be repaired if it is to continue operating next summer.

Issues have been discovered with the Fisherman’s Walk lift and BCP Council officers are currently assessing the costs and options available to fix the problem.

Sharing concerns expressed to him by residents, Boscombe East and Pokesdown ward councillor George Farquhar raised the subject of the “vital service” at a full council meeting on December 5.

The Labour councillor asked what the Conservative administration was doing to prevent the possibility of the cliff lift being closed next summer.

“There have been concerns raised by residents with me personally that the Fisherman’s Walk cliff lift has serious issues, including the chassis needing much work and repairs to keep it operational,” Cllr Farquhar said.

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He said residents and visitors with accessibility needs could be denied access to the beach if the service closed.

Cllr Farquhar said people who use mobility scooters access to the beach as the buggies do not have the battery power to travel back up the zig zag paths.

Portfolio holder for environment and place Cllr Mark Anderson said: “The cliff lifts are an historic part of the seafront infrastructure and do provide an essential service.

“They are also subject to ongoing maintenance and repair. They operate primarily during the warmer months and are now closed for winter.

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“There are no plans to close the facility permanently. However, recent conditions assessments have highlighted potential issues with the electric switch gear and the lift cab chassis at Fisherman’s Walk lift.

“Officers are currently exploring the options and costs related to these and aim to bring forward recommendations prior to Christmas and following on from that I hope the repair and maintenance of lifts and associated works will take place in the spring so the services can resume as normal in the warmer weather.”

Cllr Farquhar said the lifts provide a revenue stream to the council and extending the hours of operation until dusk should be explored to increase this income.

Conservative member Cllr Anderson said he would take up this suggestion with officers to see if it is feasible next year.

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He also said he had been having conversations with the council’s chief operating officer on how the repair and maintenance work on the lift would be funded.

The council now only runs two Bournemouth lifts down to the beach after the East Cliff facility closed following a large landslide in 2016.

The West Cliff lift near the BIC was built in 1908 while the Fisherman’s Walk lift has operated since 1935.

They are usually open between Easter and the end of October, subject to weather conditions.