CITY councillors are being asked to approve an urgent £400,000 rescue plan for Poultry Cross, which has deteriorated so severely that structural repairs are now considered mandatory.

Although Salisbury City Council already holds a general repairs and maintenance contract, both Historic England and the appointed conservation architect have confirmed the works are too specialised for a standard contractor.

Instead, councillors are being asked to launch a restricted tender process to appoint an accredited heritage specialist with proven experience working on Grade I listed buildings.

A report to Full Council warns the Scheduled Ancient Monument – the only surviving medieval market cross in the city – has suffered decades without major repairs.

High-level inspections revealed decaying roof timbers, failing joints and ongoing water damage caused by a leaking lead roof and cracked gutters.

The 14th-century hexagonal structure, which stands between Minster Street, Silver Street and Butcher Row, was added to the Heritage at Risk Register last year after experts concluded immediate intervention was needed to prevent further decline.

Specialist conservation architects Loop Architects, alongside structural engineers, have recommended a “top-down” repair strategy.

Phase one would focus on stabilising the structure and completely renewing the Victorian-era lead roof, alongside repairing high-level stonework, buttresses and pinnacles.

The works would also involve replacing damaged Chilmark stone, repointing with traditional lime mortar and removing redundant wiring.

Extensive scaffolding will be required to encircle the monument during repairs.

The estimated £400,000 cost covers roof renewal, structural timber repairs, masonry conservation and associated works.

The council will also explore external grant funding to help offset the expense.

If approved, officers will begin the procurement process and apply for Scheduled Monument Consent, with works expected to begin once all permissions are in place.

Councillors will consider the proposals at their next meeting on Monday, March 9.