Visitors were left disappointed after Chesterfield’s giant observation wheel broke down on Sunday.
The wheel, operated by Mellors Group, has been in the market place since February 10th, providing residents and visitors with 360 degree views of the town.
The wheel has previously featured in such high profile locations as Hyde Park, the London Olympic celebrations, Liverpool, Leeds and Bristol.
Safety concerns were posted on Facebook by Chesterfield residents before the wheel was set up.
The director of Mellors Group, James Mellor Jnr, responded to these concerns by claiming that their safety record was “impeccable”.
Posting on their own Facebook page ‘Chesterfield Wheel’ on Sunday, Mellors Group said:
“Unfortunately [we are] not operational due to a technical fault with one of the generators. We apologise for the inconvenience and would like to reassure everyone that efforts are being made to rectify the fault.”
Julie Mottershead, 46, from Matlock, visited Chesterfield specifically on Sunday to ride the big wheel. She said: “It’s definitely annoying, and a bit disappointing to be honest when we’ve travelled to get here.”
Mellors Group have said that they will amend people’s tickets that were purchased for Sunday, to a date of their choice.
A spokesperson for the company has since confirmed that the fault was to do with a generator, and that the wheel is back up and running today.
The wheel will be in Chesterfield until the March 11th, and operates from 10am until 8pm Sunday to Thursdays, and 10am until 10pm Fridays and Saturdays.
Each ride is 13 minutes long, and goes twice around the wheel.
Prices are:
- £6 for an adult
- £5 for concession
- £4 for a child
- Children under three ride for free
There is also the opportunity to buy family tickets, which are £18 for 2 adults and 2 children under 13, and special gondola tickets which are available for £30.
Tickets are available at a discounted price at www.chesterfieldwheel.co.uk
