OPINION is split over new plans for a Weymouth Eye at the Pavilion.

Yesterday the Echo revealed plans by Merlin Entertainment, whose portfolio includes the Sea Life attractions, the London Eye and the Blackpool Tower, to create the 53-metre viewing tower.

Under the new proposals up to 50 visitors at a time will be treated to views of the Jurassic Coast as the ‘observation pod’ slowly lifts and rotates to the top.

People will then be able to see up to 15 miles along the coastline.

A spokesman for Merlin Entertainments said that the observation tower would provide a longer legacy for the borough than the Olympics.

But opinion was split on the new structure with some welcoming the idea and others branding it an eyesore.

Beach hut cafe owner Graham Scott, 59, said: “I think it’s a good idea, it gives another dimension to the borough. Hopefully it’s something people would come and visit.”

Tea Cabin owner Robert Gutteridge said: “It’s brilliant. Something needs to be sorted out at the end of the pier to liven up an extremely dull area. It is positive.”

Linda Bush from the Tea Bush Tea Rooms on the Esplanade said that it would be lovely to be able to see the views all round the Jurassic Coast.

She said: “I think it sounds like quite a good idea. It’s an all weather attraction and we need them. It’s something different.”

She added: “I think we do have to keep up with the times.”

But husband Les Bush said he would have preferred to see a different attraction there.

He said: “I would have preferred a big wheel, that would have been more in-keeping with the sea-side theme. That structure looks like a lighting post.”

However, others were not impressed with the plans. Westham resident Ken Lye said: “It’s rubbish, a waste of money.”

Sarah Pegg, 22, works at the Dorothy Inn which would look out on the new structure.

She said: “Weymouth is taking away everything of its old history and changing the seafront into something it’s never been. It should go back to the it was.”

Gerald Mabb of Weymouth Civic Society said that the society would be meeting to look at the plans this Friday and so could not make an official statement.

However Mr Mabb said that in his personal opinion the tower may be a welcome addition to the seafront. He said: “It is far enough away from the Georgian seafront not to take away from it.”

Exciting time for town says chamber chief

PRESIDENT of the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce Andy Cooke said: “It’s an indicator. It’s an exciting and upbeat time for the town leading up to 2012. The fact that Merlin, such a large business are investing a considerable amount of money in a tourist attraction here is very heartening.”

He added: “We’ve had one big tourist attraction open this year, Sand World, that has had very serious recognition, both nationally and internationally and something we can be very proud.

“It’s extremely exciting that yet another organisation sees Weymouth as a place worth investing in and I’d like to think the council will look at this very sensibly.”