BUILDERS have started work on a big wheel as tall as nine double-decker buses.

The 46-metre high Worthing Observation Wheel (WOW), the biggest on the south coast, began construction today.

Contractors have fenced off an area on the promenade between the seafront beacon and the Lido, ready to drive foundations into the beach.

Work will continue throughout May before the wheel is erected in June.

The wheel will finally open in early July.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, who is in charge of regeneration on Worthing Borough Council, said residents will enjoy the attraction “for years to come”.

He said: “I really will enjoy watching the WOW rise into the sky to become an iconic landmark on our ever-improving seafront.

“Obviously there will be a little bit of inconvenience as it is constructed, for which we apologise. but once this observation wheel is up and working the benefits will soon be obvious.

“I’m sure visitors and residents alike will enjoy the WOW for years to come.”

Councillor Beccy Cooper, leader of the Worthing Labour group, said the party supported the wheel but objected to its position on the seafront.

She said: “The Labour group is supportive of the Worthing Wheel, but objected to its location next to the pier. It is already such a busy part of the promenade and queues for the wheel have the potential to create a bottleneck and overcrowding.

“Other sections of the promenade are quieter, but still central and very accessible, such as by the East Beach Parade.”

The promenade will be partially closed for a short period while eight lorries bring in the parts of the wheel from Holland, where the wheel is being assembled.

The wheel will then be constructed on site in just a few days.

The WOW will be open for a six to nine month period between April and October for the next three years before it is dismantled each winter.

Worthing Borough Council agreed a three-year lease with deKoning Leisure Ltd, which has agreed to pay for all construction and operating costs of the wheel.