22/05/2008 05:49:00
Tourists will soon have the opportunity to experience Devon from the air, as a sightseeing hot air balloon undergoes final test flights.
The balloon can carry up to 30 tourists at a time and is designed to fly 400ft above the ground - offering a bird's eye view of the Torbay area. Councillor Derek Mills from Torbay Council told the BBC:
"You can see Torbay from a completely different angle, all the streets, the hotels, the landmarks. I think this will be a real plus for the bay."
Tom Spalding of the Torbay HiFlyer Balloon described the massive balloon as a fully functioning aircraft, adding:
"We've been checked by the Civil Aviation Authority, we have our certificate of airworthiness, which we're very happy about."
The 82ft balloon is tethered at Torre Abbey Gardens in Torquay at the moment, but some critics would like to see it moved. Opponents claim that the balloon's proximity to a pedestrian crossing is in danger of distracting pedestrians and drivers. The BBC reported that there are plans to mount a court challenge to see the balloon moved to a different location.
While the balloon will be a first for Devon, it will be the third attraction of its kind in the UK - Bournemouth and Leeds Castle in Kent also offer tourists the chance to appreciate the cities from the air.
The new attraction will be open to the public at the end of the week, weather permitting, and will cost £14 for a 15 minute panoramic flight.