Final stage of work on iconic Dudley Zoo chairlift

Work to restore Dudley Zoo's iconic chairlift is reaching its final stages – with visitors able to ride it within weeks.

The frame of the towering structure is now taking shape and the project will eventually bring the lift back into use for the public for the first time in 12 years.

Refurbishment of the lift started in May and was originally expected to be completed by the end of July – but it is now set to open around the third week of August following delays due to the wet weather.

Around £100,000 is being spent on it, while a bid is being made for £1m from the Heritage Lottery Fund, to pay for the shot-blasting and painting of the 42 chairs on the lift and the repair and refurbishment of four of the Tecton buildings.

The lift is being painted its original cream colour following the removal of 16 layers of paint, and a roof has been built on the shed at the start of the lift.

Zoo chief executive Peter Suddock said:"We have all the original drawings, and despite its age the changes mainly centre on cosmetic refurbishment where the chairlift has suffered exposure to the elements. It's a fantastic piece of machinery."