Lift vandals 'risking their lives'

A group of men are believed to have damaged the lift a Viking Bay

Lifts which take visitors down to two beaches in Kent have been put out of action because of damage caused by vandals.

And there are warnings that those responsible could end up killing themselves if their actions continue.

The Edwardian lift at Ramsgate, which was recently restored, has been one of the targets for the vandals.

Another new lift at Viking Bay in Broadstairs has also been damaged.

It is just incredible and they really are risking their lives Jeff Kirkpatrick, Thanet District Council

In Ramsgate, children were found to have tampered with the lift mechanism, stopping it in mid journey and then forced opened the protective doors before getting into the shaft.

A group of men is thought to be responsible for the damage to the lift in Viking Bay which has now been repaired.

Thanet District Council's tourism chief, councillor Jeff Kirkpatrick, said: "It just beggars belief.

"They have found if they prise open the lift doors they can actually climb into the lift shaft as somewhere to play.

"It is just incredible and they really are risking their lives.

"Apart from the obvious inconvenience to our visitors we are trying to avoid what really could be a fatality.

"We think we know who the boys are and when we find them we will be taking action."

Thanet District Council said the lift at Ramsgate cost about £2,300 to be repaired after the vandalism.