Leas Lift Carriage Removed as First Step towards Restoration
The last surviving stepped Leas Lift carriage was lifted from its tracks today (26th October 2006) and taken away for safe and secure storage pending its restoration. The removal was organised by the 1890 Leas Lift Carriage Restoration Appeal, with the full backing of the lift carriage owners, Shepway District Council.
The operation to lift the carriage took around two hours, and was carried out by Millennium Lifting Ltd from Swingfield. The transport between Folkestone and the secure site in Thanet is being provided by Charles Hewitt Ltd from Canterbury. Both firms have kindly given their services free of charge.
Speaking for the Restoration Appeal, Cllr Rory Love said:
“The next stage is to raise the estimated £25,000 required to restore the carriage. We intend to submit applications for grant funding, but will also rely heavily on donations from the people of Folkestone to save this unique piece of local history.Restoration will take around a year, and it is hoped this will be carried out by a local specialist firm. The intention is then to return the carriage to the site of the Leas Lift where it will be on display as a heritage attraction.”
26th october 2006