Widow's Heartbreak Over Bull Sculpture Plans
A grieving widow from Cumbria has expressed her devastation after council officials approved plans to install a massive bull sculpture just fifty yards from her home, where her husband was tragically trampled to death by cattle.
Wendy Pleasant, 73, lost her husband Malcolm Flynn in 2020 when the 72-year-old retired science teacher was attacked by a herd of cows during a countryside walk along Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland. The cattle flipped him into the air and kicked him in the head during the fatal incident.
The couple had lived in their detached home near Wreay, Cumbria, for approximately one year before Mr Flynn's death. Wendy has now accused Cumberland Council of being "uncaring" after they rejected her emotional pleas to relocate the four-ton structure.
Council's Controversial Response
Mrs Pleasant claims that when she asked council officials not to place the sculpture directly outside her property, she was told: "You're just one person." The grandmother expressed her profound distress, stating: "It's so uncaring of them. All I am asking for is some understanding. My feelings should count for something, surely."
The steel Limousin Bull is being created as part of new works on the Brisco Roundabout on the new Southern Link Road. Constructed from weathered steel, the artwork aims to celebrate Cumbria's agricultural heritage by immortalising the Limousin bull Graiggoch Rambo, which sold for 180,000 guineas at a special breed sale in Carlisle.
Wendy explained that the sculpture will be directly in her eyeline whenever she leaves her property, serving as a daily reminder of the tragedy that claimed her nature-loving husband's life. She described dealing with his death as "hell on earth."
Ongoing Battle and Council's Position
In March, a four-day jury inquest ruled that Malcolm's death was accidental. Wendy made Cumberland Council aware of her objections to the statue's location several months ago, describing their decision as deeply insensitive.
"They seem to be saying that how I feel doesn't count," she stated. "But I pay my rates like everybody else - I should feature somewhere in somebody's thoughts. It's not as though I'm asking them not to do it. I just don't want them to put it on that roundabout."
Council officials attempted to allay her fears by inviting her to view the statue last week, but the experience failed to change her mind. Wendy now questions whether she can continue living so close to a constant reminder of how her husband died.
The grandmother has already endured months of disruption during the roundabout's construction, describing the experience as "difficult." She revealed: "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."
At one point, she was completely fenced in and had to keep her car in the construction compound, relying on workmen to transport her to her vehicle. "For them to put this cow on that roundabout will be the crowning glory to it," she added.
The sculpture is being created by artist Ellie Barden, 35, who spotted the bull grazing at Whinfellpark, near Penrith, during her daily commute. She selected the world price-beating bull as inspiration when commissioned to craft two new sculptures for Cumberland Council.
A council spokesperson responded: "Cumberland Council understands that this situation is deeply personal for Mrs Pleasant, and we appreciate the sensitivity of her concerns. We have been engaged with her throughout the construction phase of the project, making several adjustments to the design and our build programme to support her and some specific needs."
The spokesperson noted that the council had arranged a personal visit to Grace Forge, where the sculpture is being created, and had undertaken work around her property including replacement fencing and access improvements.
The council maintained that the decision to commission the Limousin bull sculpture followed consultation and widespread support for celebrating Brisco's agricultural heritage. They stated: "The installation is designed to honour both the history of the area and its future. The decision regarding its placement and subject matter was based entirely on community heritage, independent of any individual circumstances, and was never intended to cause personal distress."
Despite the council's assurances, Wendy Pleasant continues her fight against the sculpture's placement, determined not to "just sit back and let them do it" without voicing her profound concerns about the emotional impact it will have on her daily life.
