Standing at 34.5 metres tall, the Felixstowe Ferris wheel has been an unmistakeable sight on the town's seafront since August and hopes are high that the tourist attraction can return next year.

Known as The View, the observation platform has been cited as one of the contributory factors behind a 20% increase in new visitors to the town and had the capacity for 144 people with each of its 24 gondolas accommodating six people.

READ MORE: Our review of Felixstowe seafront's new 34.5m Ferris Wheel

East Anglian Daily Times: Going... The work under way to dismantle the wheel on Felixstowe seafrontGoing... The work under way to dismantle the wheel on Felixstowe seafront (Image: Richard Cornwell)The wheel, which has stood on a grass patch between the promenade and Sea Road, spent its last day in the town on October 15 and has now been dismantled, with photos showing this work in progress.

However, Paul Hedges, from Observations Attractions Company, which operates the wheel, said he wanted to return for the whole summer season next year.

READ MORE: Felixstowe Ferris wheel on seafront to close on October 15

East Anglian Daily Times: Going.... the wheel itself has been removedGoing.... the wheel itself has been removed (Image: Richard Cornwell)"I think it went well. We want to come back for the full season. The wheel is now being dismantled and once the wheel has been removed, the area will be landscaped," Mr Hedges said.

Earlier this month, the EADT reported how the wheel had been a big hit, with people often queuing to take a trip and enjoy views across the town and port, as well as the whole of the promenade from Manor End to Cobbolds Point.

READ MORE: Work begins on Felixstowe's new 144-person Ferris wheel

Between September 2 and 8, the period when the Love Felixstowe Festival, the Tour of Britain and the wheel were all being enjoyed, Felixstowe saw an extra 12,177 people visit the town, figures have revealed.

East Anglian Daily Times: Gone... the wheel and it's gondolas have disappeared, leaving just the final segment to be removedGone... the wheel and it's gondolas have disappeared, leaving just the final segment to be removed (Image: Richard Cornwell)Kate Cain, Felixstowe Business Improvement District manager, said: "We could not have anticipated the huge success of the wheel, despite arriving late in the season.

"It was perfect timing for our grand summer finale with the Love Felixstowe Festival, Art on the Prom and the Tour of Britain Stage 5 start and finish.

East Anglian Daily Times: Work is underway to remove the wheel.Work is underway to remove the wheel. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

READ MORE: Felixstowe news

"Footfall was outstanding with over 20% new visitors to the town and the wheel has certainly been a big part of the attraction as well as our skyline."