A MUCH-loved feature of the Market Place is being scrapped this year. 

Gilbert the Dragon will be out this year as normal, but Salisbury City Council has confirmed to the Journal that this will be his final appearance as his structure has now "deteriorated beyond repair".

The council added: "He is also planted with succulents which require considerable watering which is costly.

"Salisbury City Council are now reviewing our summer planting to look for sustainable planting which contributes to the ecosystem and we have some lovely new initiatives that are being considered for 2024."

But Councillor Sam Charleston, who is chairman of the events, markets and grants committee, has said the council is keen to ensure that Gilbert comes back "bigger and better than ever". 

He said: "There has been a great deal of misinformation on social media in the last 12 hours about Gilbert the Dragon. 

"At last night's Events, Markets and Grants sub-committee, the topic of Gilbert the beloved dragon came up. Although he technically does not fall under the purview of that sub-committee, we received an update from the Clerk that Gilbert the Dragon is sadly on its last legs, and this summer will, unfortunately, be his last outing in his current form. 

"Like any structure, and especially one that is used outside, and is moved regularly, Gilbert has suffered from normal wear and tear, but has gotten to the point where repairs are becoming impossible."

He added that Cllrs Dalton and Sample "made it clear at the meeting" that the council will be keen to ensure that Gilbert comes back "bigger and better than ever", and there are various options which can be considered. 

Gilbert will be out this year, and the council will then consider how to proceed. 
Conservative councillor Eleanor Wills said: "With over 1000k Facebook followers, Salisbury's Gilbert the Dragon must be the most popular civic leader in the city. With his own merchandise, exquisite sense of style and, of course, poem, Gilbert has been a familiar face in Salisbury for years.

"To hear of his planned demise, based on the need to make efficiencies, without any replacement, is really unfortunate. If £24 000 can be spent on a Tree and Ecosystem Strategy, it beggars belief that spare change cannot be found to repair Gilbert and make good such a recognisable character in Salisbury. 

"Yet again we are seeing more examples of the impact of this administration's desire to empire build without a thought on the day-to-day impact on the city. It's a parish council after all. I really hope Gilbert can be saved."

Cllr Wills has also written to the Clerk and leaders of Salisbury City Council asking for the issue of Gilbert’s future to be added to the upcoming meeting herself and the three council leaders.

It is not yet known when the 8ft dragon be scrapped for good.