Residents are fuming at plans to erect a 56ft wheel on the resort's promenade.

The proposal, put forward by Carr Royd Leisure, which owns the site, would see the Victorian-style attraction installed outside the Pleasure Island complex for the next two years.

The "flying saucer" ride would replace two existing railway carriages on the land and see the repositioning of existing rides.

But residents living in De Vere Gardens on South Promenade, which has 27 flats, say the plans are "out of character" with the area and would threaten their privacy.

Homeowners are also concerned the fairground ride would devalue their homes.

The £35m plans for the long-term redevelopment of The Island site were revealed last week.

Four potential schemes, ranging from "minimal change" to a completely "new seafront", could see the building of a hotel, restaurant, casino, 16-lane bowling alley, a golf museum and an amusement arcade.

The seafront masterplan, put together by consultants, could also see the relocation of car parking, fair rides and new shops on the promenade.

Plans have been submitted to Fylde Council for the big wheel.

* See this week's Express for a special feature on the development.