News

The fund to restore the 1890 Leas Step Lift Carriage is nearing its goal with news that £17,500 of the £25,000 needed has now been raised.

Readers wishing to contribute to this privately funded charity — 1890 Leas lift step carriage restoration appeal group — can make donations to HSBC Bank account number 21433784, sort code 40-21-15. The website is www.leaslift.org.uk.

The 1890 Leas Lift Carriage Restoration Appeal was set up in October 2006 to raise funds to undertake the restoration of the last surviving ‘stepped’ lift carriage.

The pair of stepped carriages ceased operation in 1966, and the eastern tracks were closed. The older (1885) carriages continued to operate on the western tracks. In 1985, one of the stepped carriages was removed and dismantled by Shepway District Council; the other was given to the Dover Transport Museum.

Twenty years later, its return to Folkestone was secured by local campaigner Robert Mouland, and the appeal was launched to raise the £25,000 for its restoration to full working order.

When complete, it is hoped this unique part of Folkestone’s heritage will be put on display in the town.