ANGRY residents say City of York Council failed to properly consult them about plans for the city's 60-metre high big wheel.

People in the Leeman Road area complained council officers did not visit them to inform them of proposals before the three-year tourist attraction at the National Railway Museum was approved last week.

One resident, Donna Jackson, accused the council of "pushing through proposals" because it was worried about objections, after people were against earlier plans for a wheel in Tower Gardens.

But the council today insisted people were properly consulted, and residents had plenty of time to see planning notices since they went up on November 2.

Mrs Jackson, who lives in St Peter's Quarter, directly opposite the museum, said about 100 households would be affected by the wheel.

She said: "I would have liked to have seen the plans because I have concerns about extra traffic. When previous events have been held at the museum, the traffic has been terrible and pedestrians have had to step into the road because the pavement is so narrow.

"The council pushed through the proposals because people objected last time and is ignoring the advice of the police, just like it did over the fireworks."

Police raised fears the £3 million observation wheel might distract drivers and lead to crowds of people cramming on to the narrow pavement - but councillors decided this was unlikely.

David Lord, manager of the Thrust filling station in Leeman Road, said: "We were told there was going to be consultation and we would be notified of any meetings. But then we heard that the plans had already been passed.

"The problem is that even though we may pick up some extra custom, the traffic congestion will prevent some cars getting across to us."

But a council spokeswoman said: "Eight site notices were put up in the vicinity of the site on November 2, including one near the entrance to St Peter's Quarter.

"This meant that local residents actually had longer to air their views than the 21-day period required by government legislation."

Coun Janet Hopton, who chaired last Thursday's planning meeting, said: "The traffic issues were certainly discussed and we put a condition on the plans that there would be a three-month review to see if there are any problems.

"If there are problems, such as with the narrow pavement, we will take action and perhaps ensure the museum provides signs to direct people to a viewing area for the wheel."

Meanwhile, tourism bosses welcomed the wheel which they said would "add a new dimension to York's tourism."

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of York Tourism Bureau, said: "We're thrilled that the right location has been found for it.

"This new attraction will boost revenue for the local economy and offer visitors yet another good reason to book a short break in York."

Updated: 11:21 Tuesday, January 24, 2006