PLANS to erect a giant dragon statue on a hilltop overlooking Abergavenny have been revealed by Monmouthshire County Council. The 100ft high structure is set to be placed at the summit of the Skirrid mountain where it will provide a lasting memorial to the National Eisteddfod which takes place at Castle Meadows this summer.

The dragon’s creator, sculptor Anne Calagon said she was delighted that MCC?had taken the ‘brave’ step of giving the £3million project the green light.

“I was worried that the council would be reluctant to invest in the scheme but councillors were keen to create a permanent reminder of this memorable year in our cultural history,” said Anne.

The project has attracted arts council match funding and also sponsorship from a national power company which aims to illuminate the statue from the launch of the Eisteddfod until Christmas.

“We’re hoping that we will be able to continue with the floodlighting scheme by offering local people and groups the chance to sponsor the lighting up of the dragon. I’d like to think that this is a long term, sustainable scheme and not something that will be over in a puff” she said.

Delighted councillors will be joining Ms Calagon at official launch of the project which will be held at the site of the statue later today. It is hoped that if the scheme proves to be popular with the public other mini dragons will soon appear at various spots around Abergavenny.

“There’s plenty of scope for our dragon to have countless offspring. I’d certainly like to see a mini version on the Castle Meadows and on the top of the Blorenge where it will be seen from the town centre. Abergavenny is famed for its seven hills so maybe soon everyone of them will be sprouting a baby dragon,” said Anne Calagon. “It will certainly bring a taste of Middle Earth or Harry Potter to Abergavenny.”

While the scheme has gained approval from many local groups some protestors feel that the towering dragon is a step too far and the first meeting of a newly formed group fighting against the plans is to be held later this week.

Local hill walker Jack Paper, who is behind protest group Lay-off Abergavenny’s Iconic Rural Scenery says there is ground-swell of support for his calls to abandon the dragon memorial.

“It’s a lovely idea now but how long will it be before painted wings and giant strings make way for other toys and we are left with a herd of crumbing dragons atop the seven hills of Abergavenny?” said Mr Paper