Widow Opposes Bull Sculpture Near Home After Husband’s Death

A widow is expressing her outrage over plans to install a large bull sculpture near her home in Cumbria, a location that holds painful memories following her husband’s tragic death. Wendy Pleasant’s husband, Malcolm Flynn, was killed in March 2020 when he was trampled by a herd of cattle in Northumberland. The proposed installation of a Limousin Bull sculpture, intended to celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage, is set to be placed just 50 yards from her property at the Brisco Roundabout.

The sculpture, crafted from weathered steel and weighing approximately four tons, aims to pay tribute to the area’s farming history. However, for Wendy, the location feels like a constant reminder of her loss. She has voiced her concerns to Cumberland Council, describing the decision to install the sculpture as insensitive. “It’s so uncaring of them,” Wendy, a retired professional hotelier, stated. “All I am asking for is some understanding.”

Wendy has lived in her detached home near Wreay for about a year before Malcolm’s death. She feels that her objections to the statue’s placement have not been given due consideration. “My feelings should count for something, surely,” she added. Despite her efforts to communicate her concerns, she was told by council representatives that her objections were seen as the viewpoint of just “one person.”

The tragic circumstances surrounding Malcolm’s death were addressed in an inquest earlier this year, which concluded that he died as a result of an accident. Wendy has described the period following his death as “hell on earth.” The installation of the bull sculpture has compounded her distress, as she now faces the possibility of living with a daily reminder of that horrific event.

Wendy highlighted the disruption she has already faced due to ongoing construction for the new Southern Link Road, which has made her daily life challenging. She recalled, “I was diagnosed with cancer after my husband died, and I’ve had to get out to hospital and had all these road works going on around me.” She emphasized the physical and emotional toll these disruptions have taken on her life.

The sculpture is inspired by Graiggoch Rambo, a Limousin bull that sold for 180,000 guineas at a breed sale in Carlisle. The artist, Ellie Barden, spotted the bull grazing in a field during her commute and chose to create the sculpture to symbolize strength and resilience, linking the county’s agricultural past with its future.

In response to Wendy’s concerns, a spokesperson for Cumberland Council stated, “We appreciate the sensitivity of her concerns.” The council claims to have engaged with her throughout the construction process and has made adjustments to accommodate her needs. They also arranged for Wendy to visit the site where the sculpture is being created, hoping to provide her with a deeper understanding of the project’s intentions.

The spokesperson further noted that the decision to install the Limousin bull sculpture was made after consultations that revealed widespread support from the community for a piece celebrating local agricultural heritage. They emphasized that the decision regarding the sculpture’s placement was based on community interests, not individual circumstances.

Wendy remains firm in her opposition to the statue’s location. “Nobody has asked us locally if we wanted this statue, and goodness knows what it has cost,” she remarked. “I do not want to just sit back and let them do it.” As she continues to navigate her grief and the challenges imposed by the ongoing construction, Wendy hopes that her voice will be heard and considered by the council in their decision-making process.