Want to ride on the London Eye? Better get going
 

According to <b>http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/londonnews/articles/18725934?source=Evening%20Standard</b>,

the London Eye may soon be history.

<i>Politicians, writers, broadcasters, actors and businesses reacted with outrage to news that the landmark tourist attraction could be dramatically evicted from its site on the South Bank within weeks.

They spoke out after the Evening Standard revealed how the South Bank Centre (SBC), owner of the land on which one part of the Eye stands, has served the landmark with an eviction notice effective on 1 July.
</i>

Well, according to last night's E Standard, the &quot;threat&quot; is lifted.

Astonishingly enough, we're told, thanks to a fearless campaign from - you've guessed it - the E Standard.

Was there ever a &quot;threat&quot;? Will we ever know?

Not being a huge fan of the Eye, I think the real estate could probably be put to better use. It's amazing that one of the most vibrant, exciting, cultural-rich cities in the world has a ferris wheel as one of its main tourist attractions.

By definition, that tells you as much about tourists as it does about London.

There was a better use for the land: as a park adjoining the centre of local government for the city, till TBW (I'm not translating that, but it relates to a certain female Prime Minister) decided to take away what Londoners had paid for.

At least it is something that attracts people. Here in the states a prime piece of property like that would have instantly been turned into an asphalt covered car park!

I thought London Mayor Ken was claiming victory, after calling the landlord 'a prat' and threatening them all with a compulsory purchase order.

Incidentally, I sat next to our Mayor yesterday on my way home on the Tube. Nice to know he actually takes the public transport under his jurisdiction. Can't imagine there's many people in his position who eschew the comfort and security of a chauffered Jaguar. Everyone politely ignored him, in very British fashion.

&quot;It's amazing that one of the most vibrant, exciting, cultural-rich cities in the world has a ferris wheel as one of its main tourist attractions&quot;....

you are speaking about...Vienna, of course??????

And besides - It isn't a Ferris Wheel. A ferris wheel is an amusement ride that goes around multiple times. The Eye is an observation Wheel. Much taller than any ferris wheel and it goes around once for each &quot;flight&quot;.

Many of the exact same things being said about the Eye were said about a certain tower in Paris. It was universally panned and loathed and there were campaigns to have it torn down.

I don't think anyone would now want to demolish the Eiffel Tower even though it was considered an eyesore when it was first erected . . . . . .

Well said Janis! It's also a marvel of engineering, and rather beautiful, I think. Just like the Eiffel Tower in its day. I've always seen it more as spectacular modern design than amusement ride.

&quot;It isn't a Ferris Wheel. A ferris wheel is an amusement ride that goes around multiple times. The Eye is an observation Wheel. Much taller than any ferris wheel and it goes around once for each &quot;flight&quot;. &quot;

Okay, so you get stiffed by only getting one turn 'round, and it's taller! To me, you're begging the question, because I see the Eye as an amusement ride.