Plans for a cable car in Dover remain on the cards after being allocated more than £1 million in funding.

The proposal for a link connecting the town with Dover Castle was first put forward in 2008.

During a virtual meeting of Dover District Council yesterday, councillors approved an allowance of up to £1.5m.

Cllr Chris Vinson (Con), portfolio holder for finance, governance and digital, said: "The provision that is made in the capital programme for the cable car is to take things to the next stage."

He said there was room for other investors to come forward for the project and others touted in the council's capital programme, which was approved by cabinet in June this year.

Cllr Vinson added that councillors would be consulted when further details emerged.

In March 2020, the council appointed SCJ Alliance to undertake a feasibility appraisal for the project.

Leader of the opposition, Cllr Kevin Mills (Lab), said: "Whilst I also see the needs of tourism, the sad reality is here, I wonder sometimes whether the needs of the local communities and the district is being put to one side for the needs of tourists who may or may not come."

In 2008, it was reported that English Heritage initially had reservations about installing it at the castle.

However, in 2016 it was said to be in favour of considering the cable car station at the Admiralty Lookout point.

Meanwhile, councillors at this week's meeting also approved further funding for maintenance and repair works for Tides Leisure Centre in Deal to the tune of £200,000.

They also rubber-stamped spending £600,000 to restore the Grade I-listed town hall in Maison Dieu.

Read more: All the latest news from Dover