00:01For generations, the journey between Saltburns Town Centre and Seafront has been a part of
00:06everyday life as well as a popular visitor experience. Now the town's historic Cliff
00:10Tramway has taken another significant step forwards towards reopening after newly built
00:15carriages were carefully lowered back onto the tracks during a major refurbishment.
00:19The Grade 2 listed attraction has been closed since January, while extensive work has been
00:24carried out to replace ageing vehicles and upgrade important equipment. The bespoke
00:28replacement carriages were handcrafted by specialist engineers on Teesside after the
00:33originals reached the end of their operational life following decades of exposure to the coastal
00:38environment. The refurbishment has also included a new hydraulic braking system, improved door
00:43mechanisms, upgraded buffers and enhanced hydraulic equipment. Existing stained glass windows have
00:48been restored and fitted into the new carriages alongside timber interiors and larger windows
00:53designed to make the most of coastal views. Redco and Cleveland Council says final testing,
00:59commissioning and staff training will take place before passenger services resume within a fortnight.
01:04The authority says the investment aims to preserve one of Britain's oldest working
01:08water-balanced funicular railways for future generations. The tramway first opened in the 1880s
01:14and remains an important part of Saltburns heritage. Council representatives say the refurbishment
01:20has been designed to respect the tramways historic character, while supporting reliable operation
01:24for many years ahead. Millions of journeys have been made since the tramway first opened.
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