Weston to have its own London Eye

By speevers vicki fitzgerald v.fitzgerald

A huge observation wheel will offer visitors superb views of Weston-super-Mare.

Work is under way on the attraction and it is expected to take a week to complete.

The 40-metre high wheel, almost as tall as Nelson's Column (46m), weighs 160 tonnes and is being built on the Beach Lawns.

Its aim is to provide an attraction similar to the London Eye.

The wheel will have 30 glass capsules, each able to carry six adults and two children. A revolution will take around four minutes.

In addition there is one VIP capsule with smoked glass windows for four people offering a glass floor and a DVD system.

Nodd McDonagh, operations director, said: "It will take a week to build.

"We had to install the base first, which includes water tanks, and we hope to be open by Easter Monday.

"We picked Weston as a destination because it was very welcoming and the council liked the idea. It is a smooth, elegant ride, which gives panoramic views. It is not meant to be a white-knuckle ride.

"We have found in the past that we come for a short stay and then people don't want to let us go.

"Two-thirds of people who go on the wheel return for another ride."

The wheel will open from 10am-10pm and will be lit with blue and white lights at night.

Deputy council leader Elfan Ap Rees said: "I am delighted the wheel has arrived.

"I think it is going to be a great attraction for Easter and the rest of the summer at no cost to the council."

Prices for the ride will be £5 for adults and £1 for children. Under-threes and babies go free.

World Tourist Attractions Ltd already operates nine 60-metre high wheels at various locations in the UK including Great Yarmouth and Manchester.

The wheel will remain in place throughout the summer and be running seven days a week until November 30, creating 12 jobs.