Repair works are now underway at Saltburn Cliff Tramway following a fire earlier this year which caused “extensive” damage.

The Grade II listed building caught fire on January 15 due to an “electrical issue” and has forced the site to remain closed since.

The tramway had been closed for winter maintenance before the blaze and the council confirmed no one was injured in the fire at the time.

The Northern Echo: Fire at Saltburn Cliff Tramway in January Credit: RCBC, PAUL WAUGH

Cllr Carrie Richardson, deputy leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council, said special planning permission had to be gained before repair works could get underway due to the structure’s status.

She said: “Saltburn Cliff Tramway is one of our most loved and popular attractions, so it was heartbreaking to see the extent of the damage caused by the fire earlier in the year.

“Because of its historic significance it is listed as a Grade II structure, meaning we had to get special planning permission before repair works could get started.

The Northern Echo: Fire at Saltburn Cliff Tramway in January Credit: RCBC, PAUL WAUGH

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"This was granted on May 1 and works to repair the building followed immediately after. One of the main requirements to get it back up and running is the manufacture and installation of a new control system.

“Once everything is repaired, we still need to carry out a programme of planned winter maintenance, which happens every year before opening. This was obviously put on hold due to the fire, but it’s still a vital part of our process to ensure people’s safety.

“It’s very difficult to give a firm date for when the tramway will open again but rest assured, we are working as hard as we can to get it open as soon as possible and we thank everyone for their patience.”