Animal charity Peta has been knocked back in its attempt to install a permanent memorial to seven cows that died in Gobowen.

This week, the animal charity Peta said it had written to Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Council urging it to install a permanent memorial to the animals that died on Sunday, April 7 when the lorry transporting them overturned.

The incident took place on the A5 Gobowen roundabout and vets from Oswestry were praised for their work in saving the other 33 cows.

However, National Highways, which is responsible for the management of the A5, said that while it was also sympathetic, it would not allow the plaque to be placed on the road. 

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A spokesman for the parish council said that Peta would need to apply to National Highways to have the plaque installed.

She said: “Selattyn and Gobowen Parish councillors were saddened to hear about the accident and the deaths of a number of cows. 

“The parish council has received a letter from Peta requesting permission to erect a memorial near the accident site. 

“The Parish Council does not own or control the land in question and will suggest that Peta write to National Highways as the organisation responsible for the A5 highway, roundabouts and verges.”

A National Highways spokesperson added: "We appreciate the death of livestock in incidents such as the one on the A5 can be deeply upsetting for many people.

"However, National Highways does not permit memorial signs to be placed on our roads as they can pose a safety risk by distracting road users, and a greater safety risk to people wishing to visit the memorial.

"We would therefore not support the placing of this, or any other unsanctioned sign on the strategic road network.”

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The tribute would feature a picture of a cow and an inscription that reads, “In Memory of the Cows Who Suffered and Died in a Lorry Accident on This Spot, Try Vegan.”

Peta vice president of programmes Elisa Allen said: “For nothing more than some steaks and burgers, this crash left animals suffering amid an already terrifying trip – which was likely to the abattoir.

“Peta’s roadside memorial could prevent further tragedies, including human ones, by reminding everyone to drive with care and spare a thought for animals by no longer eating them.”