A PASSENGER-carrying helium balloon, dubbed the Southampton Eye, has been given the enthusiastic backing of council leaders.

Southampton City Council's ruling Liberal Democrat Cabinet, still seeking an elusive "wow" factor for the city, rallied around the proposed scheme as a welcome attraction. The anchored balloon would float 400ft high with views of up to 25 miles.

Lindstrand Aerial Platforms Ltd (LAP) wants permission to launch the balloon in Andrews Park from the spring next year.

A five-year deal would see the council net a portion of ticket sales and marketing income worth an estimated £20,000 to put back into parks and open spaces.

Councillor Steve Sollitt, Cabinet member for leisure, said the balloon would help sell the city and a similar attraction in Bourne-mouth had proved it could make money.

Council leader Adrian Vinson said: "I cannot believe we cannot make this work."

Councillor Liz Mizon, Cabinet member for communities and neighbourhoods, called the balloon an "exciting new idea".

"The company will take the risks and share the profits which seems to be a good idea," she said adding park supporting groups were really happy' with it.

Councillor Ann Milton, member for schools, said in response to potential criticism: "We seem to be damned if we do damned if we don't. It's terribly sad that we all seem to be so negative".

But Tory group leader Alec Samuels warned the Cabinet there were still risks attached to the scheme, such a forthcoming law on corporate manslaughter.

He urged the Cabinet to fully consult on the balloon after controversial plans for a laser light show in the Civic Centre tower had to be put on hold following a flood of objections.

Tests on the environmental impact of the four proposed 2.7mm green lasers, which would be visible for up to 15 miles, will now be carried out in the autumn.

The 22m wide balloon would carry up to 30 passengers for £10 flights during daylight hours over the summer.

LAP will need to get clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority to operate it and the council must get permission from the Government to use Andrews Park because it is common land.

Leisure bosses say the council will not bear any of the risks of the venture or invest any cash in it. The Cabinet will decide whether to give LAP permission for the balloon on April 30.