Big wheel moved to meet demand
TRENTHAM Gardens' big 'Potters Wheel' is being dismantled after only seven months.
More than 80,000 people have taken a ride on the controversial 200ft attraction since it was erected in December.
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But the wheel's operator has decided to take it to another tourist attraction, despite originally saying it would stay at Trentham for a year.
Jay Pender, from World Tourist Attractions, the company responsible for the £6 million wheel, said: "It will be dismantled over the next few days and transported to a new location elsewhere in Europe.
"From the feedback we have received, its disappearance may be somewhat of a shock for those who are now used to seeing the structure dominating the skyline, but due to the exclusivity of our big wheels it is inevitable the time would come to relocate each one to a new destination."
A wheel at the estate was first proposed in 2006, but plans were only lodged with Stafford Borough Council in July 2008.
The applicant originally envisaged having the wheel on-site for two years, but public opposition led to a revised application to cut its stay to 12 months.
Mike Herbert, pictured, director of the Trentham Estate, which draws in three million visitors a year, said: "The wheel was always going to be a very welcome, but temporary addition to the Trentham offering.
"It has been a privilege to have the Potters Wheel, but given the limited number of wheels positioned throughout Europe it is time for it to move on to another European city.
"There may be an opportunity for a wheel to return to Trentham in the future."
Asked if the wheel had not performed as predicted financially, Mr Herbert said: "The figures have been quite good, but it's a question of economics.
"It could have done better, but there is also a lot of demand for the wheel across the Europe."
The wheel was popular during the festive season with pods full of visitors taking the 13-minute ride.
Self-employed dance teacher, Judith Bibby, aged 50, from Newcastle, was among those who queued for the ride when it first opened.
She said: "It was lovely, but it is not something you would do twice.
"There isn't really enough to warrant a wheel here when you compare it to other cities.
"You just got a nice view of the lake and then the car park on the other side.
"And considering they had to operate it even if there was only one person using it, it's not surprise it's moving on."
Pensioner Carol Heath, a retired accounts clerk from Newcastle, said: "A lot of people living near the estate do not like the wheel, but it was a relaxing thing to do."
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Story filed in: Trentham Gardens | Trentham | News
29 Comments
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by Tom Sutton, Trentham
Thursday, September 03 2009, 3:57PM
“I am reading through these comments in utter disbelief as to how stupid some people from stoke really are. Do you honestly think trentham wanted rid of this? It even says in the article that it was the company that owns the wheel that wanted to get rid of it so that they could make more money. Im sure that Trentham Gardens are as annoyed as everyone else that the plug was pulled early, so why are people moaning about it being their fault. And with regards to paying for the gardens / lake, As someone else has just said have a look at the deals - with tesco vouchers it comes to £22 for a family ticket for an entire year. You cant even get one adult into alton towers for that price for 1day. It is a business, they have to charge in order for the place to stay open - otherwise in 5 years time it will be sold and left to rot again like it did many years ago - and guess what it will be these same people that are moaniong about paying for it that will be moaning then - IDIOTS”
by Rustinho, Silverdale
Thursday, July 09 2009, 1:33PM
“Your own land? Presumably you are the famous international playboy Dave Davis that anonymously owns St. Modwen?!
Or perhaps you live in a different quantum phase of existance and *that* is why the security are unable to make physical contact with you?”
by dave davis, trentham
Tuesday, July 07 2009, 5:03PM
“i continue to use the gardens and there facilities for the grand price of nowt, the security there cant touch you, feel free to hop over the fence by the coffee shop at the top of the lake, i do every night, and take my kids with me, i will never pay to walk on my own land”
by Lisa, Newcastle-Under-Lyme
Monday, July 06 2009, 9:31PM
“It was my Goddaughters birthday in June,so I brought her a ticket for one of the VIP pods on the wheel. I was told that she had 6 months in which to use the ticket, so was very shocked today to hear that the wheel will be down by Thursday this week. I brought the ticket on the 1st June, you can not tell me that they did not know then that the wheel would be coming down a month later! I would not of minded when I spent the £45 for the ticket if they had told me that it was only valid for a month, but to be told 6 months. All I would like to say is thanks for the ruined birthday gift.”
by paul, Kidsgrove
Monday, July 06 2009, 6:36PM
“Im no rocket scientist, but lets see, St Mowden today reveal that they made a £100 million loss, now why are they getting rid of the wheel? lets see, costing more thans its making by any chance!!!!!!!!!!”
by Gertrude Windsor, Trentham
Monday, July 06 2009, 4:23PM
“Glenn, I'm sure you remember when you were younger that Trentham Gardens had an admission fee, so I'm not sure why you are using adjectives like "scandalous" because it has returned to that model.”
by Glenn, London
Monday, July 06 2009, 4:03PM
“Some fair comments Warren, and admittedly the views are not the most stunning ever. I am fully aware of the dreadful treatment of the public, particularly in relation to the scandalous decision to charge entry fees, although it doesn't seem to stop people visiting the overpriced shopping village in droves. This is a real shame because Trentham should be an absolute jewel, as it once was of course. I am aware too of the fantastic legacy of public parks in the Potteries - indeed in addition to enjoying them as a youngster, I also once qualified as a Green Badge Tourist Guide for the area. I remain extremely proud of where I come from, although it isn't always easy, and must confess that I don't consider myself particularly silly (I am sure I do have my moments) but I am certainly not rich.”
by Tim, Stone
Monday, July 06 2009, 3:46PM
“Here we go again, everyone harping on about Trentham charging to go around the lake!! Does no one remember that this is how it used to be? You paid to get over the bridge to walk around the lake and back then there was nowt on the other side. St Modwen come in and give us something to be proud of whilst creating loads of jobs and we moan because they want us to pay for it!!
Here's an idea, for £17 pounds worth of Tesco Clubcard vouchers you can get a family ticket for, wait for it, drum roll please....five of your english pounds....so as you pay for Longton Park through your council tax as was stated below it makes Trentham cheaper rather than just spending your vouchers in Tesco and giving the money back to them!!
Alternatively don't bother, carry on moaning and me and my family will take great pleasure in the fact that you can't get in and there's so much more room to play and enjoy the walks!!
Cheer moaners!!
Tim”
by Warren, Meir
Monday, July 06 2009, 3:27PM
“Do you mean that we are going to forgo the lovley views of the A34...lol. It looks like the bussness plan is working anyway, stuff the locals, they are as poor as church mice anyway, lets get silly rich people in from outside the area, whats up Trentham Gandens, do the locals smell.
Julian.... London, all I can say mate, you must be very easy to please. Next time you are up this way, don't pay to walk round there lake, try one of our local parks, just as good, if not better, and free. If you want a reson, Trentham Gardens and its management have treated the locals shockingly in the past 6 months or so.”
by Glenn Burchell, London
Monday, July 06 2009, 2:53PM
“My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our ride on the wheel when visiting my parents earlier this year - sad that it is going, although not entirely bad - bearing in mind the hideous Stoke City badge that sits in the middle of it!”