Campaigners are demanding a lift that gives "vital access to the beach" be fixed as soon as possible.

Several members of Access Thanet gathered in protest by the lift in Broadstairs to highlight their dismay at its continued closure.

As part of their demonstration, they waved placards and called out 'fix our lift'.

Christine Tongue, part of campaign group Access Thanet, said: "It's disgraceful that people in wheelchairs can't get to our beautiful beaches.

"The sign on the lift says people can use the slopes on either side of the bay, but these are too steep for most wheelchairs to manage safely."

The lift was closed for the entirety of Folk Week, one of the busiest times of the season for Broadstairs.

Christine added: "The lift is only open six months of the year. If the council can delay doing anything until the end of September then they won't have to spend any more money on it until next year.

"This is incredibly unfair on people with wheelchairs and families with buggies.”

The Access Thanet group believe the closed lift is "damaging for tourism in the area".

"Many visitors come here expecting there to be a lift," Christine added.

"If they find there isn't one they will be really disappointed and many will not come back.
"The area will lose much more than it will save."
Thanet District Council has been contacted for a comment.

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