GO SEA IT
Giant 144ft-high tourist attraction to return to UK seaside town just in time for summer – & costs as little as a fiver
However, concerns have been raised that the attraction could negatively impact the area
A GIANT seaside attraction is making a thrilling comeback — and just in time for summer fun.
The towering 144ft-high big wheel is set to return to a popular UK coastal town, offering stunning views for just a fiver a spin.
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Locals and holidaymakers alike will be able to hop aboard the iconic ride as it rolls back into action this month - and it’s already gearing up to be the town’s hottest ticket of the season.
Worthing's giant seafront wheel will be open to thrill visitors from as early as this month.
The high observation wheel has been given the green light by council bosses and will take pride of place between the pier and lido, right opposite Montague Place.
Set to offer jaw-dropping views over the West Sussex coast, the towering attraction could be spinning from April 7.
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And it will stay put every summer until 2028, operating between March and November.
However, concerns have been raised that the attraction could negatively impact the area.
Some locals had previously kicked off over its size — fearing it could spoil views of historic buildings and overlook nearby homes.
But planners ruled the boost to tourism and business far outweighed the “limited harm” the ride might cause.
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The council said rides will cost £5 for children under 16 years old and £6 for adults – family tickets and group tickets are also available.
The wheel will operate between 10am and 8pm, subject to weather conditions, the council added.
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A Worthing Borough Council spokesperson said: “An observation wheel is returning to Worthing promenade, offering residents and visitors unique views of our seaside town and the surrounding area until late autumn.
"We have partnered with City Observations to bring a 44-metre high electric observation wheel to our promenade.
"The attraction is coming to Worthing at no cost to the council.”
The giant wheel was put up in June last year and took customers up into the air for the last time on Saturday, September 21, after a three-month run.
Worthing's much-loved pier has revealed plans to reopen in November after it was forced to close suddenly last October, after damage was found on its underside supports.
A new structure was designed to support the pier, so it could be safely reopened while permanent repairs are completed.
Construction work on the pier could only be carried out when the tide is low, with a council spokesperson adding: "The new steel support structure is designed to take the weight off damaged piles so they can be replaced.
"We will aim to keep disruption to a minimum but unfortunately there will be some noise during the work - including in the early hours of tomorrow morning."
Worthing Pier was built in 1862 and has survived an inferno and the Second World War before briefly becoming a nightclub in the 80s.
Last year, Worthing was crowned one of the best places to live in the UK thanks to its laidback - and less expensive - lifestyle.
Worthing is less crowded than other seaside towns on the south coast even though it boasts all the usual benefits.
Its streets are lined with rows of colourful houses, the odd palm tree and lots of independent shops.
The beach in Worthing was recognised as one of the best in the country for four years running.
Meanwhile, Eastbourne opened a seaside wheel of its own, dubbed the "Sky Club".
The towering ride took pride of place on the eastern seafront from Saturday (April 5).
Eastbourne Borough Council calls it a “crowd-pleaser” that boosted footfall and “lit up” the town’s night-time economy.
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Locals were treated to sweeping views stretching from Sovereign Harbour to the iconic pier.
The Sky Club wheel will operate for four weeks, according to EBC.
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