TOURISTS who want a bird's eye view of York have two choices. To perch on Clifford's Tower or to fly to the top of York Minster.

Soon that could change. One company wants to build a giant Ferris wheel which would whisk people 177ft above the National Railway Museum.

And that elevated possibility is now dwarfed by Per Lindstrand's balloon. The helium-filled HiFlyer would raise 30 people at a time to a height of 400ft.

Being able to peer down on York, and see for 25 miles in any direction, is a breathtaking prospect. Our unscientific survey found residents overwhelmingly positive.

It would certainly bring something different to the tourist experience, at a time when more established attractions are struggling to maintain their magnetism.

Tellingly, however, York Tourism Bureau boss Gillian Cruddas only gave the idea a conditional welcome. She is right to say that the location is critical.

This is a big deal for a small city. If sited in the wrong place, the balloon, complete with massive sponsorship banner, would detract from York's beauty. Given that consideration, it is hard to picture a suitable city centre setting.

York has a long-established planning protocol of not permitting anything to rise higher than the Minster. Should city leaders decide to bend that rule for the balloon, they risk opening the door to the owner of every giant fairground ride.

If the Eye or the HiFlyer are allowed into York, their stay must not be permanent. Otherwise we risk tarnishing centuries of history for a cheap thrill.

Updated: 10:55 Monday, November 21, 2005