Cricklade church open to light candles for pet-shop owner

Barbara Mullaney, who ran Animal Fayre, died after a head-on crash on the B4696 between Brinkworth Road and Lydiard Plain in which a Peugeot and a Vauxhall Astra collided at around 6pm on Tuesday, June 30.

Barbara, who was travelling northbound in the Peugeot, died at the scene.

Her next of kin have been informed.

Numerous floral tributes have been left outside Animal Fayre in memory of Barbara.

St Sampson’s Church in Bath Road in Cricklade has also said that anyone can light a candle for the shop-owner in the church.

A spokesperson for the church said online: “St Sampson’s is open daily, and anyone who'd like to is welcome to pop in and light a candle for Barbara, Cricklade's much-loved pet shop lady.

“She was such a light of kindness and care for owners and their pets.

“Our thoughts and prayers are for her dear family and friends.”

The brave family of the pet shop-owner have opened Animal Fayre today (Thursday, July 2).

A spokesperson for gift shop Indico, which trades next door to Animal Fayre, said: “Barbara’s incredible daughter Jeanette and granddaughter Molly have opened the shop today.

“They told me she always believed in keeping the door open to everyone and they want to do the same.

“They have said it is comforting and wonderful to hear so many great stories about their Mum/Granny and that they are so proud of her.

“The outpouring of love and grief from our community can be seen outside - so many floral tributes, notes and gifts.”

A teenage girl, who was a passenger in the Vauxhall, was taken to hospital after being injured in the crash.

A 43-year-old man, who was driving the Vauxhall, has been arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving and causing death by driving while unfit through drink or drugs.

He was taken to hospital to be treated for serious injuries and was afterwards due to be questioned about the incident by police.