I can't believe such a vital service in a busy town centre car park is broken so often
”These constant interruptions to a vital service really need to be resolved once and for all.”
Another day at Blackpool’s West Street car park, another day with its lift out of action.
It was finally back in use in time for the Easter weekend after being unavailable for quite some time - only for it to break down again a week later. Then it was mended and back in use last Friday, only for the stairs to be the only option again by midway through this week.
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The prospect of tackling up to six flights of stairs as the only alternative to get to and from our vehicles is an inconvenient enough prospect for those of us who are mobile - imagine the irritation for those less able to walk comfortable and families with youngsters in prams.
A guessing game as to whether the only lift at a centrally-located car park is available is frustrating, especially in the UK’s premier resort town. Operators Blackpool Council have said on each of the previous two occasions that the wait for the lift to be restored was due to a particular part being required - but the frequency of the breakdowns has become a farce.
West Street is just a few strides from the Promenade and shops and has long been the recommended car park for audiences at the Grand Theatre, as well being handy for the Winter Gardens and other entertainment venues.
Breakdowns happen, we know, but as the main season looms, these interruptions to a vital service really need to be resolved once and for all.
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Initally, Blackpool Council were hopeful that the car park would reopen this weekend, as a spokesperson said: “The lift at West Street car park is currently closed while maintenance contractors carry out repairs. It will remain closed to the public on Friday, April 24 while a series of tests are carried out. If these tests are successful, we expect the lift to reopen before the weekend.”
But that was later updated to put a reopening back several days. The spokesperson said: “We expect it to remain closed to the public until Tuesday, April 28.”