Visitor target smashed as 200,000 roll up for Wheel

Published on Wednesday 28 August 2002 01:00

THE multi-million pound Falkirk Wheel canal boat lift has shattered its target for visitors.

More than 200,000 people have been to the see the giant Wheel, which links the Union and Forth & Clyde canals, since it opened to the public in June.

British Waterways had originally estimated 250,000 people would visit the Wheel during its first year of operation.

But the company, which is a leading contender in the British Construction Industry Awards with the Wheel, is now having to revise its estimates.

British Waterways has announced that the structure is due to close for two weeks at the end of next month for a routine service.

The Wheel was closed three times within the space of a month recently but officials insist the latest stoppage - between September 30 and October 13 - was planned more than a year ago. Regular maintenance is planned at quarterly intervals throughout the year.

Iain Herbert, general manager at the Wheel, said: "This, the first scheduled inspection, was planned last year to coincide with the end of the busiest part of the tourist season to ensure there was minimal disruption to visitors.

"It should be remembered that the Wheel is the world’s first and only rotating boat lift, and as with all unique engineering structures, it is important that we schedule in regular maintenance checks.

"While this maintenance work is undertaken visitors can still enjoy a trip to The Falkirk Wheel."