Construction of seaside observation wheel begins

The structure of the observational wheel is taking shape on Weymouth beach

Work has begun to build an observation wheel on a beach in a seaside resort.

The white Ferris wheel on the Esplanade in Weymouth will stand up to 33m (108ft) tall and is planned to be in place until October.

The BBC understands the structure, set to be installed opposite the Sir Henry Edwards statue, was manufactured in Turkey and delivered by a company named Miran Lojistik.

Just before the Easter weekend, foundations in the form of concrete blocks, were placed on to the beach.

It is not clear when construction will be finished and Weymouth Town Council said it cannot provide a date.

Spencer Hall and family own and run the rides on the beach

The observation wheel is being paid for and managed by Spencer Hall and family.

The family-run business owns seven other rides on the beach, including trampolines, a balloon ride, a pirate coaster and a helter skelter.

Not returning this summer is the Super Snails ride, which had been on the beach for nearly 25 years.

Weymouth Town Council has merged pitches for attractions on the beach meaning the snails missed out, but said stakeholders were invited to apply for a new licence.

Dorset Council approved plans for the observation wheel in February

Dorset Council approved the plans for the observation wheel in February.

The resort previously had a £3.5m 53m-high (174ft) rotating viewing platform.

Jurassic Skyline opened in June 2012 ahead of the London Olympics sailing events held in nearby Portland Harbour but closed in 2019 due to falling visitor numbers.