THE man behind plans to build a big wheel in Weymouth says other towns will take the attraction if councillors reject it.

John Holland of J Holland and Sons Ltd says Weymouth beach is his first choice for the 28-metre observation wheel.

But he says if the council rejects it he will take it elsewhere.

The council will meet on Tuesday to consider the project with officers recommending the granting of a licence for two summers. Mr Holland, whose family has run an entertainment business in the town since the 1960s, said: "It's an idea we have been thinking about for 12 to 18 months.

"Because of the advances in technology, wheels can be made more easily and used as observation platforms for tourists.

"We have been in Weymouth for 40 years and it is the obvious choice for us to put one there. I put the idea to the council and they seemed interested. I've also spoken to people in other towns and they have expressed an interest too. But Weymouth is our first choice because of our long connections with the town. It is up to the council."

Mr Holland said Italian manufacturers Technical Park were already building the 20-capsule wheel. He is also in talks with cities interested in having the wheel in the winter months.

"At this time I am not able to reveal where," he said. "It's an exciting proposal and good for the town. I want people from Weymouth and visitors to be able to see the spectacular views."

He hopes the wheel will be in place on the beach by June. In previous years the site next to the old aquarium has been used by a bungee trampoline.

According to the council, licensing the site for a wheel will generate a substantially greater licence income' than has been derived before.

The council's management committee is due to decide whether to grant the wheel a trial operating licence running between March 1 and November 6 for each of the next two years.

If agreed, Mr Holland will submit a planning application.

A report by officers says the applicant is reticent to commit to the project without the council's blessing.

It adds the capsules would be enclosed and rotate at a slow speed, enabling embarkation at the bottom of the ride similar to the operation of the London Eye.