Ride is situated in Beach Gardens on Exmouth seafront

Exmouth Journal: Exmouth's big wheel arrived earlier this week. Ref exe 30 17TI 8069. Picture: Terry IfeExmouth's big wheel arrived earlier this week. Ref exe 30 17TI 8069. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

The opening of a 28m-high observation wheel in Exmouth has been delayed until Saturday (July 29).

Residents and visitors had been due to be able to hop on the new attraction at Beach Gardens on Friday (July 28).

Poor weather earlier this week has been blamed for the delay.

A spokesperson for East Devon District Council said: “Exmouth’s observation wheel will now be opening at 10am on Saturday, July 29, not Friday, July 28, as originally planned.

Exmouth Journal: Exmouth's big wheel arrived earlier this week. Ref exe 30 17TI 8069. Picture: Terry IfeExmouth's big wheel arrived earlier this week. Ref exe 30 17TI 8069. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

“This is due to poor weather earlier in the week which held up progress on building the wheel. Prices for the rides are £5 for adults, £3.50 for children and OAPs and a family ride (two adults and two children) costs £15. It will be open from 10am to 6pm each day and each ride will last for eight minutes. No booking is required.”

The wheel will offer spectacular views over the town, the Exe Estuary, and out to sea.

It has 20 six-seat gondolas, is located on EDDC land at Beach Gardens, opposite Exmouth Pavilion, and is operated by Somerset-based MI-Wheel.

Councillor Phil Skinner, EDDC’s portfolio holder for the economy, said: “The wheel signals a new era in visitor attractions in Exmouth that offers something new for all ages in a prominent seafront location.

“The wheel really has the wow factor as you approach Exmouth seafront and riding it will give you a fantastic view and new perspective over the town, the seafront, the estuary and across the English Channel.

“Siting the wheel there is a good use of council land and we hope it will be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.”

The wheel will be on site for 28 days, and the wheel operators are seeking planning permission for a further two week extension to mid-September.

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