Is it possible to see a list of the 144 people who are considered VIP's for the opening ride?

I am still waiting to hear from anyone at MDC if this Wheel is costing us council tax payers any money or not?

And if it is?, why would we want to attract people to Mansfield Market place, when we can't even provide them with a public toilets once we have attracted them?

Either I'm turning into Victor Meldrew...or someone needs some common sense leasons at "the Pagoda"...

Perhaps you should ask "why would we want to attract people to Mansfield" to the dozens of businesses located in the town, who are providing employment to the local population. My question to you is why are you so obsessed with town centre toilets?

I don't know if its costing the Local Council money, but if it atttracts visitors, that spend money in town whats your problem?

the council have a thing about attracting visitors to this town. as if it is some gem of a town that deserves tourists, well it is not attractive im afraid its just an average town. it finished in the top 10 worst places to live so stop trying to kid outsiders tony. however, ambition is a good thing

I think its a wonderful idea to get Sam to open the attraction, great memories to reflect well and positive upon Mansfield town for this year, And a great way of making sure we dont forget in a hurry the Olympic hero's of this area which we are so proud of.
Its an attraction that is sure to delight us all, well done for bringing something positive to our town yet again, me my husband and our four children will definitely be riding it and im sure we will love every minute of it and reflect back upon the time we did.
...Its just a shame other people have to be sooo negative constantly perhaps the chad.com should set up a page just for the constant moaners!!!

Agreed but the matter of cost to the ratepayer must be addressed. We must look at the whole picture of Mansfield having cosmetic surgery to make it look better - and never mind the number of rmpty busineses in the town centre (no doubt some of these will relocate in the myriad of Buxsiness Parks that seem to be springing up around the edge of town.
However - don't miss out on the fact that his Warship Mr Eggington will be there for yet another image massaging photo opportunity!

Onto Ayup Meducks point

Is it me or are the drug dealers now dealing more openly in and around town? I am certain they were dealing on Woodhouse Rd.

So much for shutting publics loos then. Hasn't solved beggar all apart from the fact that the decent law abiding public have less places to pee in town.

I would like to know who are these pretentious VIPs also and at what cost for this 35 metre Ferris Wheel. Let's be honest that is all what this is.

Go to wikipedia and type in ferris wheel and you will get some idea of this thing and you will say 'ooer! What's all the fuss about?'

The only obsession I have with public toilets in mansfield...is the fact that we don't have any!

As a payer of council tax, I am equally obssesed with all of the other failings the local politicians that take a very handsome wage from our council tax contributions should be addressing.

Where is the Leisure centre we were promised to replace the one sold to Tesco's for another supermarket?

Where is quality shopping/parking in the town?...have you been in the rear lift area (where the payment meters are/ Debenhams end) of the four seasons centre recently?...it's nothing short of discusting.

What I am trying to suggest, is that the council get the product right before trying to attract more visitors to the town...It's emabarrasing in the extreme...tell me how many boarded up shops and business do visitors really want to see in our town centre?

Watching the pictures broadcast live from the market place for the RA homcoming made you realise what a run down, deprived looking town centre we actaully have...so, to attract visitors and send them on a 5 minute ride to see the home of the pidgoens and other vermin that manifest the roofs and rears of these shops and business is madness...

Have you actually sat at the rear of the swan pub and looked up at the rear of the businesses that front the market palce?...the look like the slums of the East End of London before they were demolished!...and we are going to charge people £5 a pop to get a view of them!...brilliant...

keep up the good work and lets not hope the bubble bursts!

Please change the record Johnson A... and in answer to your original question, yes you ARE turning into Victor Meldrew!

Can someone tell me where in the article it says that there are 144 VIPs going to be in attendance? The story says there will be VIP guests and it says that the wheel has 144 seats. The two facts aren't necessarily linked or costing the taxpayer anything.

Hmmm I am afraid that it will be costing the tax payer Belgrano because who do you think pays for the ruddy policing?

Mind you I don't care I won't be going on the thing better things to do with a fiver me thinks.... that's if we can still get our fivers out of the banks by Friday!!!!!!

Mansfield has Toilets?! news to me! why do all the subways smell like toilets then? they are disgusting esp the one near the church