The work at the historic Folkestone Leas Lift to replace a number of sleepers has now been completed and it is hoped to re-open on Saturday (3 December).

One other job which involves replacing a small section of a support frame on the automatic braking system needs to be finished, and providing it goes to schedule, the lift will re-open at the weekend.

During the repairs the staff and volunteers at the lift have also made the most of the opportunity to carry out some overdue work in the pump room as part of the project to improve the site as a visitor attraction.

In the pump room of the lower station, repairs to the wooden floor around the pumps uncovered large areas of the concrete floor that needed to be replaced and it was decided to bury a time capsule whilst pouring the wet cement.

A container was filled with pictures of all the people involved in running the lift, historic pictures of the lift, all the information currently held about the lift, copies of tickets, including the new Season Tickets that we will be introducing the New Year.

Staff and volunteers involved in the work in the pump room with the time capsule that has been buried in the floor, pictured from left, Duncan Forbes, Sam Grayson, Damian Chapman, Darren Hughes and Eamonn Rooney

Finance Director Terry Begent said: "We’re all very frustrated that the lift has had to close for such a long period, especially since it seems just a short while since we got it re-opened again. However, our passengers’ safety is our prime concern and prevention is better than a cure so we decided to carry this work out now, before it caused any problems.

"In the year that we have been running the lift, we have completely rewired the lower station to bring it up to modern standards, cured the damp problems that caused mould to grow on the walls in the pump room, improved the water recycling system, repaired large sections of wooden flooring and are in the process of insulating the buildings to reduce our energy consumption.

"It's been a lot of work but investing the time and effort now will pay dividends in terms of reducing the amount of time that the lift will need to be taken out of service in the future.

"I would like to thank our passengers for the patience that they have shown whilst we have been closed and look forward to seeing them again once we are back in service."

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©