Fans reassured after sudden disappearance of Anglesey’s fire-breathing dragon

Dale Spridgeon, local democracy reporter

The sudden disappearance of a well-known Anglesey dragon has now been explained.

The fire-breathing figure, named ‘Arthur’, is normally seen outside Chateau Rhianfa in Menai Bridge – but recently seemed to vanish in a puff of smoke.

The disappearance of the dragon, a favourite with youngsters and young-at-heart motorists who pass by it, sparked concerns about its whereabouts.

But it has now been confirmed ‘Arthur’ was involved in “an unfortunate accident” and is currently “being taken care of”.

Chateau Rhianfa confirmed they had received numerous phone calls from people concerned over the dragon’s whereabouts.

Clipped

A spokesman said: “Arthur was sadly involved in an unfortunate accident recently when he got clipped by a wide-load lorry, but we are hoping to get him fixed up again if it is possible.

“We just want to reassure any youngsters that are worried about Arthur that he is currently being taken care of at a special dragon hospital!”

The ten-foot bright red character, which emits steam from its mouth resembling smoke, is a regular sight overlooking the A545 – the main road between Menai Bridge and Beaumaris.

When it was first installed about six years ago the fun character initially got some locals hot under the collar.

Some had said it was “unsightly” and the statue was also investigated by planning officials.

However, a campaign to ‘Save the Dragon’ was launched on Facebook and it went on to gather many more fans over the years with locals and visitors.

Its recent disappearance sparked curiosity.

One family, with two primary school aged children, who live in the Beaumaris area, contacted North Wales Live after their youngsters had expressed “disappointment” at not seeing their favourite dragon.

The dad said: “He seems to have completely disappeared in a puff of smoke! Our children kept saying where has the dragon gone?

“He has become part of the fabric of our lives, and I am sure many other people.

“We always look out for him and the children point him out to visitors. They were so disappointed that he had gone.”