Titanic call for Big Wheel to go

The statue is partially concealed by the structure of the Big Wheel

Titanic enthusiasts have called for the dismantling of Belfast's Big Wheel in the grounds of city hall in time for the 96th anniversary of the tragedy.

The success of the attraction could see its stay being extended beyond the original March deadline.

Every April, a service is held at the Titanic memorial at City Hall to remember the 34 local victims.

At the moment, the statue is partially concealed by the structure of the Big Wheel.

However, a Belfast City Council spokesman said the annual commemoration service on 15 April will be "fully facilitated".

Una Reilly, chairman of the Titanic Society, said she was deeply concerned about the possible impact of the Big Wheel's extended stay on the service.

Bird's eye view

Thousands of people have flocked to the Big Wheel to get a bird's eye view of Belfast since it was erected outside City Hall in October.

The council's policy and resources committee will consider the application to extend the wheel's stay on 7 January.

Titanic sank on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York on 15 April 1912 with the loss of 1,522 lives.