RESIDENTS have shown their support for a new attraction that has received criticism from nearby hotels for being “overbearing” and allowing riders to see into guest’s rooms.

The Worthing Wheel was installed in Steyne Gardens, opening on Saturday, March 24, and has been branded a “massive success” by general manager Evan De-Koning.

Despite initial concerns from the hotels, the large attraction, which is similar in size to the old Brighton Wheel, has received good reviews from customers, who have defended it for being a positive addition to help encourage more people to visit the town centre.

Richard Margaroli, a partner at the Ardington Hotel in Steyne Gardens, said: “I think the wheel is a welcome attraction to Worthing.

“However, in my opinion it is not in the right location.

“This is because of the implications on congestion, car parking and also lost privacy to hotel bedrooms.

“Anything which brings people into the town should be encouraged but I am very disappointed by the absence of a consultation prior to it.

“There was no consultation whatsoever.

“A structure that size is overbearing on the gardens and it should be in a more spacious area.”

Hundreds of residents have already taken a ride on the wheel, despite spells of rain over the past week.

Posts on social media and residents’ support so far show that the wheel has been well received, with the team intending to operate the attraction until April 18, when it will then be closed down.

The 144-capacity attraction provides visitors with a ten-minute ride, made up of three rotations, with the final rotation involving a brief stop at the top of the wheel to take in the sights of the nearby pier and other landmarks.

Manager Mr De-Koning said it was well received when the weather was good for the opening, but that there has been rain during the later part of the past week.

He said: “It brings people to Steyne Gardens and this end of town.

“We are really happy with it and I hope the people of Worthing are as well.

“We haven’t had any negative publicity whatsoever.

“We just need the weather on our side.

“Some things you just can’t control.”

He said staff were expecting quite a few people over the Easter holidays.

RESIDENTS' VIEWS

Childminder Joe Fusaro, 36, from Worthing, said: "I think it looks pretty good actually.

"It is exciting for the children.

"It is a good opportunity to bring more people into the town.

"I think it would be better suited in the summer.

"I think it could provide a good income into the town."

Tracey Mulvaney, 48, a support worker, from Lancing, said: "The wheel is good.

"I went on it the other day. You couldn't see into the hotel windows nearby.

"It was raining but we could still see right the way over to Brighton.

"There is nothing like this round here."

Lee Carpenter, 35, a manager, from Littlehampton, said: "I think it is good for the people of Worthing.

"It seems good for the local economy.

"I haven't really heard anything about it yet.

"We just saw it and thought we would give it a go. We are just down here for the day."

Tom Hughes, 39, a copywriter and former journalist, from Worthing, said: "I do think it is pretty interesting.

"There has been a little bit of controversy about where it is placed.

"It made me sit up and take notice and it drew me from the more suburban Worthing to come to the centre.

"It can only act as a draw."