THE owners of Barry Island's giant ferris wheel have been told they can no longer refer to the attraction as the "Barry Eye".

Representatives of the Merlin Entertainments Group, who own the London Eye, have informed the Danter family that they are infringing a registered trademark by using the name.

Although the Danter family never officially christened the ride the Barry Eye, it quickly became the unofficial name for the ride when it was first brought onto the Island in July.

After representatives saw press coverage of the ride referring to it as the Barry Eye they contacted the Danters by letter.

The Merlin Entertainments Group, who operate attractions including Alton Towers, Legoland and Madam Tussauds as well as the London Eye and Blackpool Tower Eye, said the Danter family-owned giant ferris wheel could no longer use the name.

Lane IP Limited senior associate, Rob White wrote to the Danter family, who own Barry Island Pleasure Park, on September 29 advising of Merlin’s concern.

In the letter, which has been seen by the Barry & District News, Mr White said that both London Eye and The Eye are trademarks which are the exclusive property of Merlin.

The letter reads: "Despite the reference to 'Barry', there is bound to be an assumption by the public that your wheel is in some way connected with our client and its London Eye attraction. Your attraction will benefit from that association.”

Barry Island Pleasure Park assistant manager, Claire Danter said she was surprised when she got the email.

She said: "I thought. 'wow'. The people of Barry will be so disappointed. They dubbed it the Barry Eye."

She added that the family were considering calling the ride something else, with a welsh twist.

"We are going to see if we can use a small ‘I’ in any way as Barry in Welsh is spelt Barri with an ‘I’,” she said.

Pleasure Park owner, Henry Danter added: “We are flattered that such an internationally-known company is interested the progress of Barry Island Pleasure Park and what we are aiming to achieve within five years.

"We want to help make Barry Island Wales’ premiere visitor destination.

“We are a goldfish in a bowl in comparison with Merlin who are the whales in the ocean.

“We appreciate Merlin has that trade mark, but we will take legal advice on what we can call it.”