Billionaire Sir Richard Branson has snubbed a request to fund urgent repairs on a popular and historic seaside lift.

The Leas Lift in Lower Sandgate Road, Folkestone, has been the subject of concern over the past two weeks due to its braking system which was branded "prone to failure" by the Health and Safety Executive.

In a bid to generate support, Hawkinge resident Barbara Burns wrote a letter to Mr Branson quoting some of KentOnline's story and requesting emergency funding.

The Leas Lift Community Interest Company (LLCIC) took over its running in 2010, but was unable to front £80,000 costs for a new braking system - a task that had to be carried out before March.

It has been decided that a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund will be made by officers at Shepway District Council for the full £80,000, plus any extra costs that are highlighted in a review.

Mrs Burns' letter said: "As you have interest in many types of transport, and having been on your own adventures, I thought this may be of interest to you, and could be a chance to save a part of our history here in Folkestone.

“It would be such a shame that young children and families could no longer create the memories I have, in riding on the Leas Lift.

“Our friends visited last summer, and I took them with their children.

“There was a long queue to take the ride, and as we travelled up to the top both myself and another lady in the car reminisced about how we used to have family days out, visiting the beach, and riding on the lift.

“It’s been a big part of our town for many years, and a great tourist attraction.”

'Unfortunately we’re unable to donate on this occasion.' - Virgin spokesman

But today a Virgin Group spokesman said: "We’ve spoken to the team repairing the Folkestone Cliff Lift to find out more about the extent of the repairs needed.

"We regularly receive requests for support and we like to help wherever we can, but unfortunately we’re unable to donate on this occasion.”

The lift will be "mothballed" in the period between the lift's review and the bid being prepared.

MP for Folkestone and Hythe Damian Collins last week said that he is determined to make the lift a heritage asset for the town and that all interested parties are working together to see it through.

Mr Collins, leader of Shepway District Council (SDC) Cllr David Monk, Phillip Clapham on behalf of the owners Radnor Estate, Paul Hudson from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Peter Bettley, who represents Roger DeHaan, all met up, along with Terry Begent from the LLCIC.