Council to put Gilbert the Dragon's replacement to a public vote

Councillors at the Environmental and Climate committee meeting which took place on Monday, October 9, discussed several options regarding Gilbert the Dragon, which has been confirmed will be officially retired.

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Gilbert – a framed floral display which costs the city council approximately £3,000 each year to construct plus with 30,000 litres of water annually, there is an estimated cost of £700.

An artificial box hedge in a near-copy of Gilbert's frame in a choice of three sizes and varying costs.

A 6ft high sculpture would cost £5,141. A 7ft high sculpture would cost £6,679 and an 8ft high sculpture would cost £8,289.

Carved wood sculpture alternative to Gilbert the Dragon (Image: Salisbury City Council)

The second option was for a chainsaw sculpture which would be made from a Douglas Fir and stand on a 1-2ft high plinth with the sculpture height at 5-6ft.

The sculpture would come in five or six parts and be connected together. It would look as similar as possible to Gilbert’s outline. If treated and left outside all year round, it would last between 30-60 years.

The estimated cost would be around £3,900. 

Councillor Paul Sample said: “Many parents who have raised children in Salisbury over the years will have happy memories of Gilbert the Dragon. He has featured in lots of photos and selfies. Like the Salisbury Giant, Gilbert has become a much-loved part of our city’s life.

"I think this is a perfect way to use our social media and is a classic vote for Facebook and for people to get involved.  It will be an opportunity for Salisbury City council to re-assert its claim to be a “listening Council” and enable young people to participate – at a very early stage – in democratic decision-making.”

No budget has been set aside for the replacement Gilbert or for any consultation and no date has been set for people to provide their vote.