Repairs to Norwich Castle lift to take 'several weeks'

The casing around Norwich Castle's external lift was damaged in mid-November last year with a section of smashed glass panelling leaving a large hole.

Public entry to the lift was then stopped, with step-free access up to the museum still available via Farmers Avenue while it remains out of action.

Norwich Castle's lift is out of action

The cause of the damage is yet to be determined.

It was originally hoped that the lift would be back to full working order by the end of November.

However, in a December update, the museum said that the lift would not be repaired until "after Christmas".

The smashed glass panel can still be seen from other parts of the castle grounds and Castle Meadow.

In a new year update, a spokeswoman from Norfolk Museums Service confirmed that progress on the repair is being made, but it will be some time yet before the lift is operational once more.

A close-up shot of the damaged glass of the lift at Norwich Castle on December 8 (Image: George Thompson)

Due to Norwich Castle's Grade I listed status, permissions for the likes of scaffolding have to be granted which will push back the start of repairs. Scaffolding is due to be erected soon.

The damage comes during a multi-million-pound revamp of Norwich Castle's keep in the Grade I listed building.

The spokeswoman confirmed that a definitive timescale as to when the lift will be back in operation is yet to be determined.

Following news of delays to the lift's repairs, 42-year-old Dave Shraga - a powered wheelchair user and chairman of disability charity Inclusive Norwich - stressed the importance of equipment such as lifts always being fully operational.

Dave Shraga, chairman of disability charity Inclusive Norwich (Image: Dave Shraga)

Although the lift's status should not discourage people with accessibility needs from going up to the castle, he explained some may not be able to use slopes and other forms of step-free access.

He said: "It is disappointing that the castle has not been able to get the lift repaired yet, though considering the current economic and political concerns it's hardly surprising that businesses are struggling to operate at full capacity."