Traders have hailed the development of a landmark tourist attraction.

The Brighton Wheel was due to open at Dalton’s Bastion, near Madeira Drive, in time for the school holidays.

But Brighton and Hove City Council asked the developer, Paramount Attractions, to delay the launch.

The 45-metre high Brighton Wheel is now due to open in September.

Paramount Attractions says that 30 full and part-time jobs will be created when it is in operation.

The £6 million attraction can carry up to 200 visitors at any one time and will be open all year round.

Shopkeepers and tourism bosses believe the wheel will bring more visitors to the city.

David Sewell, chairman of the North Laine Traders Association, said: “In these difficult traders’ times any major new attraction in Brighton would be very welcome.

“This undoubtedly would bring more visitors to Brighton seeking to spend their money. This coupled with new jobs makes this project a win-win and has our total support.”

Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce director Sarah Springford said: “The chamber is happy to support a private initiative like the Brighton Wheel, which will create jobs and interest in the city.”

Mark Jones, chairman of Brighton and Hove Hotels Association, said the economic downturn has been difficult for many hotels and bed and breakfasts in the city.

He said: “We are excited when we hear of a new attraction or idea which would help to increase the number of visitors to our city, and expand the offering to those who do come to stay.”

A council spokesman said it had come to an agreement with Paramount Attractions to install the wheel in September.

He said: “It has been agreed that it would be in the best interests of the general public for the installation to take place after the school holidays as the scale of the exercise involves heavy plant material including giant cranes along a very busy stretch of the seafront.”

A spokesman for Paramount Attractions said: “We are thrilled with the support we have had from local businesses and the community, we want to continue to work with them to enhance and benefit their trade, to make the city thrive.”

Yesterday The Argus reported that the national Open Spaces Society is objecting the plans.

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