Picture the skyline (From York Press)

Images of York Wheel

9:14am Thursday 2nd February 2012 in Features By Stephen Lewis

IT took its time. The return of the Big Wheel to York was hampered by bats, flooding fears and rows over the impact it would have on the city.

Even when a location was agreed – in the grounds of the Royal York Hotel near the railway station – there were protests, this time from residents of nearby flats.

But since the wheel went up just before Christmas, it has rapidly become a part of the city’s skyline.

“Readers have obviously been taken by it – because they have been sending us photographs of the wheel taken from all sorts of angles, and at all times of day,” says Martin Oates, picture editor of The Press.

Our main image today was taken by award-winning Press photographer Anthony Chappel-Ross. He stood on a platform at York Railway Station and used a fish-eye lens to get this panoramic view of the wheel – lit up at night – as seen from beneath the station’s Victorian canopy: a lovely blend of the new and the old in one photo.

But our readers have been demonstrating that they are no slouches either when it comes to capturing the city’s newest landmark on film.

Glyn Jones even used a bit of computer wizardry to transform the wheel into a giant heart to mark Valentine’s Day.

A heart-shaped York Wheel by reader Glyn Jones

Other reader photos show the wheel juxtaposed against the Minster, looming over the River Ouse at sunset, or lit from beneath at night.

York Minster and the York Wheel, taken by Wayne Bessent

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of tourism organisation Visit York, said there was no doubt the wheel was proving popular since its return. “Our visitors are telling us they are delighted to see it back in the city and that the views are even better than in previous years,” she said.

“This new addition to the skyline encourages visitors to return to York and see the city from a different perspective. We are delighted with the feedback so far.”