THE sun may have gone down on Poole's Solar Pyramid plans - but is the town still crying out for a major tourist attraction?

Controversial plans for the giant structure have been scrapped after an angry backlash from residents over the proposals.

However, Poole council leader Cllr Brian Leverett still believes a major attraction would be a huge boost to the town's tourist trade.

And we want Daily Echo readers to tell us whether they think Poole is in need of a big draw and if so, what it should be.

Cllr Leverett said: "Poole has a thriving economy, but it is our vision to see the town realise more of its economic potential.

"I believe we should investigate whether a major tourist attraction could help achieve this ambition."

Poole's tourism industry supports around 4,800 jobs and generates £200 million for the local economy.

Bruce Grant-Braham, chairman of the Poole Tourism Partnership, said the need to develop Poole's tourism offer should not be forgotten.

"I was really pleased that the council were prepared to consider such an ambitious proposal," he said.

"It was unfortunate that strong public reaction made proper evaluation so difficult."

Yesterday, residents welcomed the scrapping of the Solar Pyramid plans.

David Howard, chairman of Parkstone Bay Residents' Association, which led the protests, was thrilled at the turnaround but angry the matter had got so far.

He said: "We're obviously delighted but all of this was totally and utterly unnecessary.

"Poole council and the Poole tourist board need to take a stern look at themselves. I have never known such a public outcry."

Liberal Democrat councillor Philip Eades called it a U-turn of momentous proportions.

"This is fantastic news - I'm just surprised it's gone on so long," he added.

"This was a complete monstrosity, but they have finally listened to the people of Poole - but they could have saved an awful lot of heartache and upset."

The Daily Echo website was flooded with comments when we broke the news of the turnaround first broke yesterday.

Richard from Bourne-mouth said: "If they get on and build the Twin Sails Bridge, then Poole may well get the iconic piece of modern design it so craves."

RM, of Poole, said: "Is this the end of the matter or is there now going to be any sort of investigation as to how this project got so far along without any main council discussion or public discussion?"

But Wils from Bournemouth said: "There aren't many reasons to go to Poole and the residents may well have passed up on a chance to change that for reasons that were rather weak."