A big wheel in New Brighton dominated the waterfront for many people to enjoy - but only stayed for three weeks.
Back in April 2017, the 50ft attraction was erected on the waterfront near Fort Perch Rock as part of a New Brighton Village. From April to the October of that year people from the Wirral and visitors enjoyed other features such as a high flying Sky Swing, a beach bar/restaurant and a family activity centre.
People from all over Merseyside came to enjoy the giant wheel, but only some were lucky to actually ride it, as after three weeks it was to be dismantled. Wirral Council said the operators Liverpool Fair Ltd (LFL) only had temporary planning permission for the attraction and it was to come down the first weekend of May in 2017.
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A spokesman at the time said: "Residents have welcomed the new attraction, and any promotions and events which help make New Brighton become even more successful will always be welcomed and encouraged by Wirral Council. The Big Wheel had a temporary planning permission in place, which was extended until May 7, when it will be taken down as planned.
“Should Liverpool Fair Ltd, who owns the Big Wheel, wish to return to New Brighton during the summer or at any point in the future, then they will be expected to apply for planning permission and follow the usual process.”
ECHO readers at the time were divided over news New Brighton’s big wheel was to be dismantled after just three weeks. Fans of the attraction said it was a good addition to the seaside resort and it should have stayed in place all summer – but others called it an “eyesore”, said it was a waste of money and spoiled the look of the beach.
On the ECHO’s Wirral Facebook page, Mark Storey said back in 2017 following the news: “Waste of time and money once again. Make a quick buck off the public then take it down. Wonderful. Oh well. We’ll have to make do with the pathetic clown again.”
June Hayward was also unimpressed, writing: “Not sorry it’s going. It spoiled the look of the beach. Did anyone actually go on the wheel?” Dillon Thomas added: “I knew it would, I said this when it was first put up, it was in a stupid place though to be fair.”
Some readers didn’t believe the wheel had pulled in the crowds. Liz Thomas said: “I was walking the dog there yesterday and saw one car pull up. Three people got out and got on the big wheel. I was thinking surely they’re not going to spin it around with just four people on it? But sure enough they did! Can’t believe they’re making much money doing that.”
Tracey Buckley was more positive and said the wheel should “stay all summer”, adding: “It’s lovely down the front and the wheel enhances it. Keep it permanently.” Some readers said they planned to go on the wheel this weekend – while other fans of the wheel said they were disappointed to have missed their chance to go on it.
Wirral Council at the time rejected claims that the removal of the wheel had anything to do with legal intervention over the tendering process. Law firm Kirwans said it contacted the council after a complaint from Wilkie Leisure Group, which owns New Brighton ’s New Palace and Adventureland.
Boss David Kirwan said: “As part of three generations who have played such an important role in the development of New Brighton’s leisure offerings, they should at the very least have been consulted about the wheel.”
