THE city council has been slammed for erecting a Santa's Grotto in the Guildhall Square next to the city's war memorial - before this weekend's remembrance services.  

There was a small ceremony at 11am this morning to mark Armistice Day, but some of the space in the Guildhall Square had already been taken up by the Grotto. 

A full Remembrance service is taking place on Sunday morning (November 13), and the official Christmas launch in Salisbury is not until Friday, November 18. 

The Salisbury City Council Conservative Group - the opposition group on the council - called it an error of judgement and said it was "beyond disappointing". 

Read more: Council defends decision to put Santa's Grotto next to war memorial on Armistice Day

Salisbury City Council Conservative Group said: "As the Salisbury City Council opposition, the Conservative Group were disappointed to see a Christmas teepee erected next to the Guildhall memorial ahead of this weekend's Remembrance events. 

"The Lab/Lib/Independent administration of the City Council seems to have no control over the functions of the council. They lack leadership which leads to major mistakes, like the Jubilee celebrations where only a minority were invited to partake in the festivities. 

"It is beyond disappointing that this error of judgement was allowed to happen and spoil the two services marking the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces taking place this weekend." 

Richard Clewer, Wiltshire Council leader and councillor for Downton and Ebble Valley, said: "For those of us who have served remembrance day is a chance to gather and reflect on the sacrifice in the service of our country of people we knew and of the many more who died for our freedom in the world wars.

"It is extremely sad that event has been carried out this year against a commercial backdrop and I hope the city council avoid this in the future."

Speaking at this morning's Armistice Day service at the Guildhall Square, Mayor Tom Corbin said that it’s a versatile square used for all sorts of different events, and Caroline Corbin, the labour councillor for Bemerton Heath, added: "The installation was pivotal. We didn’t want the kids to miss out on seeing Santa.”

Salisbury City Council has been approached for comment.