Troon’s big Ferris wheel could open this weekend after being granted a licence.
The new feature dominating the shorefront skyline had to pass rigorous safety inspections before it could start turning.
Punters eager to get a shot on the new attraction were made to wait until discussions conclude between council chiefs, road bosses and emergency services.
But this afternoon it was confirmed that a Public Entertainment Licence was rushed through after difficulty with the application lead to fears plans could be derailed.
While the licence has been granted, there has been no indication from the applicant if the wheel will open this weekend.
Troon council candidate Philip Saxton told Ayrshire Live: "Ensuring the public are safe is an absolute priority."
Ayrshire Live can reveal that when plans were submitted for use of the council land next to the beach kiosk — there was no indication of a big wheel popping up.
Instead proposals detailed a bid to have a ‘children’s ride and inflatables’.
But last week officials were left confused to see a gigantic wheel, dubbed the 'Troon Eye', instead of what was previously stated.
Council chiefs and the organiser were left in a sweat fearing that legal and safety checks would not be completed in time for the Easter Holidays.
The organiser was told he would require a Public Entertainment Licence ensuring the wheel would be safe for the eager public to use.
The appearance of the wheel last week sparked hysteria amongst the town with residents taking to social media capturing pictures.
One resident claimed the towering wheel could be seen from as far as the bypass to Ayr as punters' excitement grew.
Council hopeful Saxton who is running for a seat in the town again this year added: "We wanted to everything we could to stop it being removed. If they took it from the town amongst all this hype it would have been like taking a sweetie from a wean.”
The Troon wheel is expected to be in place for five weeks and will open just in time for the Easter holidays on Monday.
A council spokesperson said: “We were approached by an applicant for a lease of the ground for a children’s ride and inflatables, and the lease was granted. The applicant then put up a large wheel instead of the agreed installations.
“The wheel requires a Public Entertainment Licence to operate so that a variety of statutory agencies are satisfied that the required public safety measures are in place.
“To ensure public safety, this licence must be put in place in advance but the applicant did not apply for the licence.
“He has now paid the required fees and submitted an application and the agencies who are required to approve it have been consulted and are progressing the matter as swiftly as possible."
A spokesperson added: "The Public Entertainment Licence has been granted for the wheel in Troon."
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