TOURISM bosses have welcomed high-flying proposals to put a hot-air balloon attraction in Southampton.

A scheme to put a tethered helium balloon in Andrews Park would be a huge attraction for tourists and visitors, the city's Chamber of Commerce has said.

Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce director general Jimmy Chestnut said: "This is not a new idea but has proved very popular with other towns and cities.

"Properly located it would give a wonderful view to the city and provide an opportunity to show Southampton off to a real advantage. We would welcome it."

Plans to place a balloon, dubbed the Southampton Eye, to lure tourists to the city centre were revealed in yesterday's Daily Echo.

Tourism Southeast says the balloon would bring more people to the city but was not the answer to the its elusive "wow" factor.

"It would be a good positive thing for local people and visitors," a spokesman said.

"But as single entity it won't be the one big wow factor that will attract many new visitors."

He pointed to a similar attraction in Bournemouth which was close to the beach and very heavily promoted but was part of a range of tourism products.

Lindstrand Aerial Platforms Ltd, which runs the Bournemouth balloon, has approached the city council for permission to launch a balloon from the park from spring next year.

The company is looking for a temporary five-year deal, which would provide the council with a portion of ticket sales and marketing income.

The balloon would be 22m wide and carry up to 30 passengers at a time during daylight hours and reach 400ft.

Flights on the balloon are expected to cost £10 each and provide passengers with views of around 25 miles.

Councillors have welcomed the idea and say it could offer spectacular views of the city and hopefully provide an extra £20,000 a year.

In order to operate the balloon LAP will need to get clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority and the council will also need the go-ahead from the Government to use Andrews Park because it is common land.

The council is expected to discuss the proposals at a meeting on Monday.