CANTERBURY looks set to have its own City Eye which could give stunning views across east Kent from 597ft.

The landmark project would use cutting edge technology to offer a breathtaking 360 degree view of the district as far as the coast from a tethered balloon, towering above the Cathedral which is 235ft at its highest.

A 15-minute ride would cost £6 with free trips for school groups from the district.

Canterbury's own variation on the theme of the London Eye has already received the backing of city councillors who want to see the project pushed forward when a suitable site has been found.

City Eye is expected to pull in hoards of extra visitors to Canterbury and compliment the heritage and tourism attractions the city already boasts, as well as becoming an important educational facility for pupils in the area.

Tethered balloons already operate in Paris, Rome, Tokyo Vienna and Berlin.

The Canterbury Balloon Company comprising businessmen Allen Upward and Tony Statham, who have 30 years' working knowledge of the city's tourism market. are behind the project.

They want to invest £800,000 in City Eye, which would operate for about nine months of the year and can withstand winds up to 12 knots.

Among other business interests Mr Upward owns Canterbury River Navigation Company, which operates river tours.

He said: "I know every inch of this city like the back of my hand and I'm very fond of it. This is a cultural fit - it's not like a Disneyland ride, it is not smelly or noisy. It is environmentally friendly and has a 100 per cent safety record. The balloon would be fairly innocuous, other than you would be able to see it rising and going down again.

"This is really cutting edge. Itr is using space age technology applied to an established activity. The educational links are enormous - in Paris the tethered balloon takes about 20 classes a week up for free to learn about history, geography, technology, the principles of flight, and the tourism industry.

"This would be great for the whole district, it's a two-way street. It would benefit the whole business community and could become part of the fabric of the city.

"I am concerned about what has happened to the city over the years - it seems to have lost some of that vibrancy and is a little bit careworn compared to tourist destinations like York and Winchester, yet Canterbury has a much higher footfall. City Eye would be for residents and tourists, but would also bring people into Canterbury who would not come here otherwise."

The Canterbury Balloon Company has earmarked a site in the Kingsmead area, which is soon to come under development, but has still to enter negotiations with the city council over the site.

At a meeting of Canterbury Area Members Panel this week, Labour group leader Cllr Ron Pepper led the praise from both officers and councillors.

He added: "This is an excellent idea. Your imagination goes wild at the opportunities."