Voluntary directors are being sought in a bid to re-open the troubled Leas Lift and the “future challenges” it may hold.

The Folkestone Leas Lift Community Interest Company (LLCIC) has put out an appeal for someone to take on the role and provide a company structure.

It comes almost two months after the LLCIC announced a new and updated braking system would need to be fitted to the lift, costing about £80,000.

With the company unable to front the costs, Terry Begent, the managing director, said the company would have to “walk away” from its commitments.

The Health and Safety Executive ordered for the work to be completed by this month, branding the current braking system “prone to failure”.

In a statement released by the LLCIC, it said: “The Folkestone LLCIC are looking for people interested in becoming voluntary directors of the company to help it to re-open the lift and to provide a company structure more suited to the challenges it will face in the future.”

The right person will need skills or experience in marketing, history, retail, administration and finance, education, health and safety, human resources and engineering.

The premises in Lower Sandgate Road has been boarded up and the rest of the lift has been “mothballed” until further notice.

Officers at Shepway District Council are set to put in a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the money once a full review of the lift has been completed.

It is thought that the lift will not re-open in time for this summer, when the tourist attraction peaks in popularity.

Those who wish to be considered can email Auev73@dsl.pipex.com to reserve a space.

It will be held at The Hub (formerly the Tourist Information Centre) in Tram Road car park on Wednesday, March 22 at 6pm.