SOUTHEND Council is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help itrun the iconic, but broken-down Cliff Lift.

The appeal comes as the troubled Edwardian structure, which was re-launched a year ago after a £3million refurbishment, has stopped working for the past two weeks.

The council plans to advertise for a voluntary or charity organisation to take on the day-to-day operation of the lift, which is almost 100 years old, on a profit share basis.

Though still responsible for its maintenance, the council hopes the move will cut the costs of running the lift.

Derek Jarvis, Southend’s councillor for culture and tourism, said: “Having run the lift for a year now, we’ve been considering how to run it with another organisation, perhaps a charity or some enthusiasts, which would allow them to bear some of the costs and share profits.

“Such groups would usually get volunteers involved. In other locations, things like vintage railways are run by enthusiasts who really care for them.

“And it will reduce our costs.”

The Cliff Lift is one of just 26 funicular lifts across the country and was re-launched in May last year after five years out of action.

More than £2million of lottery cash was spent on doing up the two stations at the top and bottom of the cliff, plus £650,000 on the carriage.

But the lift was out of order over the busy airshow weekend after it broke down on Thursday, May 26.

Mr Jarvis said it is expected to be back up and running in about a week’s time.

He said it has taken some time to order the correct parts to fix the problem.

Mr Jarvis added: “I was disappointed that it wasn’t working for the airshow weekend.

“It’s sad but we will get it fixed as quickly as we can.”

Built in 1912, the lift runs from Western Esplanade up to Clifton Terrace.