Hundreds of people have gathered to ride the Black Country’s largest ever big wheel, the 'DY-Eye' since its launch last weekend.

Reports in the press today have branded the attraction as the 'worst in the UK', citing it's views of 'carparks and industrialisation' as a negative selling point. However the people of the Black Country have fought back saying that looking out over an industrial landscape is what made the area famous and is nothing to be mocked. 

However Cllr Pete Lowe appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain this morning to defend the attraction. Talking to a reporter from the show, he said:

"What others see as buildings and car parks, we see as the birthplace of the industrial revolution and the proud people of the Black Country. There's numerous attractions in the town and hopefully this will entice people to come to Dudley, spend a bit of money and have a good time." 

The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Steve Waltho, officially opened the 35-metre wheel on Saturday March 12th at the event which proved to be a big hit on its first day. The attraction was due to open at 1pm but gates had to be opened hours early as by 10am there were already long queues forming. 

Cllr Waltho told how he was delighted that people were queuing for the ride. He said: 

“Our aim in bringing [the wheel] to Dudley is to encourage more people to come into our town centre. It’s the largest attraction of its type to come to the Black Country and so I think it is a fitting crown for the ongoing regeneration that continues to transform our town centre into a newer and brighter place for you to visit.” 

Dave Carter, co-owner of the Arcade Toy Shop and vice-chair of the Dudley Business Group, said: 

“We have all been working hard to bring the Eye to Dudley and I’m so pleased that it has finally arrived. Along with many other local businesses, we have sponsored it and I hope that people will come to Dudley to enjoy it, see the sights and be amazed by the transformation that Dudley is going through. 

“I am immensely proud of our town, it’s got history and spirit in droves.  And I hope that initiatives like the Eye will encourage more people to come and discover that for themselves.” 

The giant observation wheel will be open seven-days a week for nearly a month, until Sunday April 10, closing only on Easter Sunday. A full programme of the events taking place over Easter can be seen at dudley.gov.uk/dyevents.