TWO giant new rides could be coming to Southend’s seafront.

A 196ft Starflyer carousel and a 147ft tall “Southend Eye” wheel could be built at Adventure Island.

Both would offer tremendous panoramic views of south Essex and the estuary.

If approved, theywould dwarf the pleasure park’s existing tall rides, which include Skydrop at 68ft and Tidal Wave Blue at 65ft.

Simon Patterson, owner of seafront pub Chinnery’s, said: “Adventure Island is very important to Southend and the seafront. It brings in lots of people.

Anything that will attract more people down to Southend in these tough times is to be welcomed.

“They’ve always had exciting new rides and these sound good.”

A planning application has been submitted to Southend Council by Phillip Miller’s Stockvale Group with Sk Architects of Leigh. The rides would be situated close to Western Esplanade.

The ferris wheel, similar to the larger London Eye, which stands at 443ft, aims to compete with Brighton and other tourist towns.

According to the design brief, both are “intentionally visible structures” and are designed to complement other attractions and the pier.

However, Antonio Lopezmanager of Fisherman’s Wharf, opposite where the new rides would be, is not too pleased.

He said: “Little by little they are taking our view away. The view of the sea, for our customers who like to sit outside, is getting more blocked. We’re not very impressed.

“It’s not very welcome, but we won’t object, because in business it’s live and let live.”

The application states: “Adventure Island continues to reinvest with year on year investment into the seafront. It will further enhance and continue to widen the tourist and seasonal economy of the seafront. The proposals, while tall and slender, will not create any greater visual harm than many of the existing attractions within the theme park

“It is purposely vertical to provide a new landmark to emphasise the pier entrance and gateway to the city beach.”

The final details and colour of the rides would be agreed with Southend Council. People can comment on the applications before July 11.