SALISBURY’S lost pubs have been brought back to life on posters produced by local artist Fred Fieber.

Mr Fieber’s charcoal line drawings show 23 pubs that have been demolished, closed for good, or shut and then re-opened as a different business since the 1970s.

Among them is the Butt of Ale on the Pauls Dene estate, which was knocked down and transformed into houses despite a community appeal to save it.

The poster also shows the boarded-up Three Crowns in Harnham and the long-gone Anchor Tap in Gigant Street, Blackbird Inn in Churchfields Road, Crystal Fountain in Milford Street and Barley Mow in Greencroft Street.

Others such as The Chough in Blue Boar Row, The London Hotel in Windsor Road and the Kings Arms in Fisherton Street have since been turned into restaurants.

“When I first started drinking in Salisbury there were between 70 and 80 pubs in the city centre including many where it was all about having a beer and a chat rather than food,” said Mr Fieber.

“I estimate we’ve lost about a third of them over the last few decades, which is a terrible shame.

“Pubs make a place special – they help make up Salisbury’s character.

“It is so sad to see empty buildings where people used to socialise, or pubs demolished to make way for houses.

“Some have been given new identities, which I suppose is progress, but it is a shame when any independent business is lost.”

Mr Fieber used historic photographs, archives and his own memory to draw detailed pictures of the pubs, which he condensed to fit on the A3 poster.

He has previously produced two posters of existing pubs in the city that have proved popular as they show many of Salisbury’s oldest buildings.

Interest in Salisbury’s historic drinkers’ pubs was heightened after the closure of the muchloved Anchor and Hope in Winchester Street two weeks ago.

Drinkers organised a show of support for their local, which closed after the landlords failed to agree terms with brewery Enterprise Inns.

The Journal’s Facebook group Salisbury Pubs to be Proud Of is also gathering momentum, with readers posting details about their favourite drinking spots and what makes their local pub special.

And an event to promote pubs in Salisbury called Raise the Bar has been planned for February.

“It is very heartening that people still care about their local pub, and when you see the success of places like the Wyndham Arms, Winchester Gate and the Duke of York you see it can be done,” added Mr Fieber.

“But it is worrying that other pubs are teetering on the verge of closing and we need to support them now before it is too late.”

Framed art prints of Mr Fieber’s poster The Lost Pubs of Salisbury can be bought for £45 by calling the artist on 01722 414828 or visiting fredfieber.co.uk.

The Journal’s campaign can be seen at facebook.com/salisburypubstobeproudof.