Vale MP Alun Cairns has described the new ferris wheel ride on the Barry Island Pleasure Park as having the potential to become an ‘icon of Barry’ a ‘huge attraction’ for tourism to the Island.
Mr Cairns made the comments while taking a preview ride on the wheel, due to open to the public this week, dubbing the attraction the ‘Barry Eye’. The MP also praised funfair owner Henry Danter for his continuing investment in the Island – expected to reach £20 million over five years.
The 20 carriage wheel was expected to open at the start of the summer season but had been delayed by technical issues which are now resolved. Following the completion of health and safety tests, which have particular importance because of the strong winds which blow into the Island, the Barry eye will be open to all.
It is the biggest ferris wheel in Wales and will offer views across Whitmore Bay and the Bristol Channel.
“I was really pleased to be given a preview of the Barry Eye, which will quickly become an icon of the town. It has the best views of any ferris wheel in the UK and will be a huge attraction to the Island.
“The ongoing development of the Pleasure Park, thanks to the continual investment of Henry Danter is heartening to see. He has transformed the place and I am honoured to have been given the first go on this particularly important ride.
“The economic impact the park has on the rest of the Island and Barry as a whole is difficult to overstate. The work that was put in last year to secure the site for a new fairground is really paying off.”
Henry Danter said, “At long last we have succeeded in getting the Barry Eye working. It will be a very popular go-to ride which I hope will be really appreciated by visitors to the Island.”