Historic seafront lift opens for the first time this year

Video report by ITV News Meridian's Tom Savvides

A historic lift in Hastings has reopened after being closed for almost a year for maintenance.

The 129-year-old West Hill Lift takes passengers from George Street, in Hastings Old Town, to the top of West Hill.

It was closed in October so maintenance work could begin.

Hastings Borough Council, which operates the lift, says it has been out of action for so long because parts needed to be ordered from America and the original contractor could not carry out the work.

Council leader Cllr Kim Forward said: "We had passengers using the lift again as soon as we reopened it, including visitors from Eastbourne and Gloucester on the very first journey, which is great.

"Hastings Castle and Smugglers Adventure can easily be reached by the lift and, of course, there are stunning views across the Old Town and towards Beachy Head from the top of the hill.

"The lift is also popular with residents who live on the West Hill, so we are sure that the lift will quickly become very popular again."

• Cllr Paul Barnett, Hastings Borough Council, Lab

Cllr Paul Barnett, Hastings Borough Council said: "This has been a labour of love for Hastings Borough Council. For 75 years now we've owned this lift.

"It's a heritage asset, one of really important funicular railways in the country and it serves as an icon in Hastings.

"People come from all over the country just to go up and down on this lift."