Apologies to anyone who has been inconvenienced by the Madeira Lift on Brighton seafront being out of action.

Old machinery is very charming but sometimes difficult to keep going.

Despite the best efforts of Brighton and Hove City Council and its contractors, there remain mechanical and electrical faults with the lift.

We were all ready to have the lift running for the jubilee weekend when it stopped working again because dampness affected electrical circuits.

We are doing everything we can to get the lift running as soon as possible.

I also hope we can do more to keep residents updated on progress by fitting signs to the lift. Officials have been asked to ensure this happens the next time it feels its age, as it surely will.

-Coun Ian Duncan, Chairman, culture committee, Brighton and Hove City Council