A roadside sculpture of a white dragon designed to welcome motorists into Wales has vanished beneath overgrown grass, less than two decades after it was unveiled as part of a £61million border improvement project.
The 56-foot-long dragon, located beside the A494 near Shotwick on the Welsh border, was installed in 2009 as a striking landmark of civic pride for drivers entering the country.
Constructed using 400 metres of steel edging filled with 10 tonnes of white marble pebbles, the artwork was inspired by the famous white horse hill figures carved into the chalk landscapes of Wiltshire.
However, unlike the historic Wiltshire carvings which are regularly maintained, the dragon has gradually become obscured by vegetation.
A matching white lion on the opposite side of the road has also been swallowed by shrubbery after years of neglect.
The artwork attracted criticism even before nature reclaimed it, appearing to face England rather than Wales.
Meanwhile, others questioned the decision to create it in white instead of the traditional red associated with the Welsh national flag.
The dragon’s disappearance has prompted widespread disappointment among local residents and road users.
The dragon has gradually become obscured by vegetation
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One online commenter described the situation as “such a shame,” while another called for the landmark to be restored, saying it had once been a talking point for visitors crossing the border.
“I think we should resurrect it,” the commenter wrote, “how about we get together, embarrass our council and get it redone? Make it look good again.”
Although the dragon marks the entrance to Wales, both sculptures are located on the English side of the border, making National Highways responsible for their maintenance.
The agency previously faced criticism over the condition of the artworks, and promised to improve their appearance after public complaints in 2013.
A later five-year review of the gateway scheme acknowledged the £20,000 artworks had “not received sufficient maintenance to preserve their visibility and definition”.
In response to renewed attention, a National Highways spokesman said the dragon would soon re-emerge as part of planned seasonal maintenance.
They said: “We recognise these artworks are important local landmarks and need maintenance.
“To reduce disruption and protect nature at the roadside, we will carry out weeding and clear vegetation as soon as possible as part of our seasonal maintenance programme.”