MORE than 30 seafront flat owners made their voices heard about the Minehead Observation Wheel at a meeting this week.

The Minehead Events Group held a public meeting at the Beach Hotel on Monday night to gather feedback from locals on their thoughts on the Wheel, holding a private meeting beforehand with residents of the flats opposite The Esplanade who wished to express their frustration at the Wheel.

The 100ft Wheel proved popular during a six week trial however residents of the flats were left appalled by a lack of consultation - only finding out that the enormous attraction would be dominating their window views after construction had already begun.

Karen Mills, who is a member of Minehead Events Group as well as the District Council's lead member for Tourism, said: "We held a constructive meeting with the flat owners. We are currently gathering data from the trial run on how many people used the Wheel and want to speak to business owners to find out their thoughts.

The Events Group only managed to secure the Wheel at the last minute for Minehead this summer, but promised to consult with residents thoroughly if the Wheel were to come back.

Graham Wells, one of the residents of the flats, said: "There were a lot of people here who wanted to voice their objection to the Wheel.

"It is a great idea, it is just a pity it was located in that particular spot. The lack of any consultation beforehand has left a number of residents feeling very negative about the whole thing.

"That being said I do appreciate what the Events Group are doing, trying to bring people into the town."

Another resident, Barbara Robinson, spoke in favour of the Wheel.

"I live along the harbour and I thought it was a brilliant idea. We rely on tourism and this was something different for visitors to do."

The Events Group are looking for help and ideas for future events in the town, and are particularly looking for something to replace the Summer Festival now that the Red Arrows are out of the question due to new safety restrictions following the Shoreham air disaster.

For more information go to the Minehead Events Group Facebook page.