If you register, you can do a lot more. And become an active part of our growing community. You'll have access to hidden forums, and enjoy the ability of replying and starting conversations.

The Leas Lift in Folkestone is set to close down because of a lack of cash

Discussion in 'Everything Else Heritage' started by sycamore, Jan 9, 2017.

  1. sycamore

    sycamore Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2009
    Messages:
    570
    Likes Received:
    202
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Guard & Signalman (E&BAR) / Driver (HVMR)
    Location:
    Embsay or Bolton Abbey, sometimes in between...
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Sorry if this has already been mentioned...

    http://m.kentlive.news/the-leas-lif...0041456-detail/story.html#dRKsQzx1dbQEqBZJ.99

    Will
     
  2. nine elms fan

    nine elms fan Part of the furniture

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2012
    Messages:
    2,439
    Likes Received:
    855
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Wessex
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
  3. Enterprise

    Enterprise Part of the furniture

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2005
    Messages:
    5,275
    Likes Received:
    3,077
    What legislation covers this situation? Has something changed?
     
  4. martin1656

    martin1656 Nat Pres stalwart Friend

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2014
    Messages:
    17,609
    Likes Received:
    11,222
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    St Leonards
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    Health and safety say the braking system needs a failsafe system, that the present system could fail( woodern blocked that lock to the track the cars in the case of a runaway) i saw it being tested several times and it seemed ok to me, but the greater issue is the total lack of any visitor attactions along the leas or the lower leas other than the park, the redevelopment has stalled and wont be started Dehaan most likily does not have the money or wants a better price for the land so it remains a waste land, if there was a reason to visit the lower leas, then the lift may have survived, Shepway , Radnor estates and the harbour company who own all the land and hold the aces, in effect gave up on folkestone 20 years ago , the council hoped that Roger dehaan would re generate the town, but a few artists isnt the answer
     
  5. Steve

    Steve Resident of Nat Pres Friend

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2006
    Messages:
    11,930
    Likes Received:
    10,088
    Occupation:
    Gentleman of leisure, nowadays
    Location:
    Near Leeds
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    The problem is not the brakes on the track but the band brake that is routinely used to control the system. Band brakes are notorious for fatigue failures of the band. The Mines Inspectorate, who are the enforcing authority, would like to see a disc brake system installed.
     
  6. GWR4707

    GWR4707 Nat Pres stalwart

    Joined:
    May 12, 2006
    Messages:
    18,041
    Likes Received:
    15,732
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Cumbria
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    I would imagine the owners who the CIC lease the site off will be rather desperate to see a solution as they are about to get lumbered with a very substantial liability if it closes.
     
  7. martin1656

    martin1656 Nat Pres stalwart Friend

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2014
    Messages:
    17,609
    Likes Received:
    11,222
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    St Leonards
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    The owner is Radnor Estates, Lord Radnor owns much of the land that is Folkestone, but his decentants lost interest many years ago, and that s the problem, no one who has the clout to do anything, either has the desire, or prehaps now the capitol to do anything beyond small scale projects, add a council who tend to be scared of the influence of the likes of Radnor Estates, and other leading personalities , you have the reason why good meaning projects like the leas lift fail, had a suitable re development of the lower leas ,land owned by the Harbour Company taken place, to attract people to the lifts, they would not be in the situation they are in,
     

Share This Page