Widow Opposes Bull Sculpture Near Home After Husband’s Death

A widow in Cumbria is expressing her outrage over plans to install a large bull sculpture near her home, a site that brings painful memories of her husband’s tragic death. Wendy Pleasant, 73, lost her husband, Malcolm Flynn, 72, in March 2020 when he was trampled by cattle in Northumberland. The new sculpture, a Limousin Bull made from weathered steel and weighing approximately four tons, is set to be positioned just 50 yards from her property as part of the Brisco Roundabout project on the Southern Link Road.

Wendy has voiced her discontent to Cumberland Council, stating that the statue will serve as a constant reminder of her loss. She described her feelings about the council’s decision as “appalled,” indicating that the installation disregards her emotional pain. “It’s so uncaring of them,” she said. “When I asked them to not put this statue right outside my home, the response was, ‘you’re just one person.’ My feelings should count for something, surely.”

The decision to place the sculpture aims to celebrate Cumbria’s agricultural heritage. The Limousin bull, named Graiggoch Rambo, made headlines after selling for 180,000 guineas at a breed sale in Carlisle. Sculptor Ellie Barden selected this bull as her inspiration for the artwork, which is intended to symbolize strength and resilience.

Wendy explained that since her husband’s death, she has endured ongoing challenges, including health issues diagnosed after his passing. “I was diagnosed with cancer after my husband died, and I’ve had to get out to hospital while all these road works have been going on around me,” she said. The ongoing construction has already disrupted her daily life, and the prospect of living near a monument to the circumstances of Malcolm’s death adds to her distress.

While the council has attempted to address Wendy’s concerns by making adjustments to their construction plans and offering her a personal visit to view the sculpture, she finds their efforts inadequate. The council stated that they have remained engaged with Wendy throughout the project, recognizing the sensitivity surrounding her personal circumstances. “We value all feedback and recognize that the installation coincides with a very difficult personal association for Mrs. Pleasant,” a spokesperson commented.

Despite these reassurances, Wendy maintains that her objections have not been adequately considered. “I just don’t want them to put it on that roundabout,” she reiterated. She remains determined to advocate for her position, emphasizing the lack of local consultation regarding the statue’s placement. “Nobody has asked us locally if we wanted this statue,” she remarked, expressing disbelief at the decision being presented as a fait accompli.

As Wendy faces the emotional toll of the statue’s installation, she continues to seek understanding and compassion from the council. Her hope is that her voice will be heard in the decision-making process, a sentiment underscored by her recent struggles and her desire for a peaceful living environment.