ANGRY residents have blasted the plans for a huge observation wheel in York's Tower Gardens.

Householders say the 54-metre wheel - seen as York's answer to the London Eye - will be five times higher than their homes nearby, mean the loss of two important trees and lead to problems with noise, light pollution, litter and late night rowdiness.

They claim the wheel, which could bring a quarter of a million tourists to York, will generate "horrific" crowds in the area on sunny Bank Holidays.

They also complain that homes in Tower Place, which runs alongside the gardens, will be directly overlooked by the rotating wheel capsules, destroying their privacy.

"I don't want to see 250,000 people through my bedroom window, and I don't want 250,000 people seeing me through the window," said Moyra Johnson.

Members of the Tower Residents Group claim the wheel will spoil York's unique character but, if it has to go ahead, suggest it should be built in a different location, farther away from residential properties.

Their suggestions include:

St George's Field car park

Castle car park

Knavesmire

Hungate

Parliament Street.

Group spokeswoman Winifred Derbyshire, of South Esplanade, said: "This wheel is much too big for this small, historic park.

"The two trees to be felled will mean the loss of evergreens for wildlife in winter, which help absorb pollution. And a good copper beech, nearing maturity, is likely to be damaged during construction."

Stan Sandig said there was no need for such a wheel to get a view of York. "Clifford's Tower, just over the road, gives fabulous views of the city, and there are also excellent views from the top of the Minster."

The group claims that the lighting on the wheel will be very intrusive at night, saying that the Manchester Wheel, similar to the one proposed in York, has 50,000 light bulbs.

"The hours of operation, 9am to 11pm every day, are much too long," they claim.

Tourism chiefs have welcomed the proposals by World Tourist Attractions, which are to be considered by City of York Council in the next few weeks.

Updated: 09:52 Thursday, February 10, 2005