Horse statue proposed to celebrate Appleby's gypsy fair is canned

A horse statue proposed to celebrate Appleby's gypsy fair has been refused planning permission because it may cause 'anxiety and distress' to locals.Blacksmith Jake Bowers had lodged an application to install the sculpture on the banks of the River Eden in the leafy town of Appleby, Cumbria, as a 'gesture of inclusion'.But officials canned the proposals, saying it could upset residents of the picturesque market town and encourage 'antisocial behaviour' during the yearly fair which sees thousands of travellers take over its streets.Mr Bowers created the statue, which measures 2.1m by 3.5m, with galvanised steel and had hoped toplace it next to the river where many horses are washed during the event.However the application, which was sent to Westmorland and Furness Council in February, was further rejected by its planning officer who said it would also compete with nearby historic buildings.The report written by Aneena Cheriyan said: 'A large number of residents expressed concerns about...