Adventure Island boss insists City Wheel is 'wheelchair friendly'

A post on Facebook from a mother with a disabled daughter claiming the pods were “not wheelchair friendly” has been commented on almost 200 times.

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In response, Adventure Island boss Philip Miller refuted the claims, adding that work was underway to ensure the ride is wheelchair accessible before it opens.

Ready for Christmas launch - The new City Wheel (Image: Adventure Island)

Hitting out at some of the online commentors, Mr Miller said: "It is obvious we have a few trolls/keyboard warriors out there! 

"We asked for and have had supplied a specially modified car to enable wheelchair users to enjoy the sights

“In fact, as we speak, we are building a DDA approved ramp for access with the ride stopping and starting to allow people safely on and off it’s a ride for all.”

The new attraction, named The City Wheel, costs in the region of £1million, according to Adventure Island.

It stands 36 metres tall, with a drop tower reaching up to 38.2 metres in height.

Theme park bosses aim to open the wheel on December 17, the same day of the Christmas Wonderland opening, which runs until Christmas Eve.

Mr Miller says the City Wheel was “manufactured from scratch to our own specifications”.

He added: "We are proud to bring this attraction to Southend in the inauguration year of city status.

“We must also thank Southend Council as we have had all party support from the get go.

“We have the mayor opening the City Wheel on December 17 to coincide with our Winter Wonderland Father Christmas experience. 

"There will be a competition for entries for the very first ride. We have been inundated with support for the Southend Air project which is fantastic news for us.

“I’ve also had a few fellow grandparents who are also looking forward to getting aerial!"