Cockerel gets his marching orders

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Residents have been told they must get rid of a cockerel they've been looking after because of its early morning crowing.

A Tyneside housing estate's resident wandering cockerel has been given its marching orders.

Basil arrived in a garden in Henderson Road, Gateshead six months ago.

He was adopted by many neighbours, but one person felt his habit of crowing early in the morning was less welcome and complained to the council.

Gateshead Housing Company has now written to residents warning them that Basil must go as livestock are not allowed to be kept by tenants.

They have until 21 October to find him a new home.

Katie Wilkin, whose mother lives in Henderson Road, has organised a "Save the Henderson Hen" campaign, and Basil now has a profile on Facebook.

'Alarm clock'

Ms Wilkin said everyone loved Basil.

"Everyone is worried about him going," she said.

"He's not causing anyone any harm.

"He's like a little alarm clock going off in the morning. We all think he's brilliant."

A spokesperson from the Gateshead Housing Company said: "Gateshead Council's tenancy agreement clearly states that tenants 'must not keep livestock, such as horses, donkeys, goats, pigs, cattle, ducks, geese and chickens at the property'.

"Also, 'animals must not cause a nuisance, annoyance or concern to anyone in the local area including any employee or agent of the council or the Gateshead Housing Company'.

"The housing company has received a number of complaints from local residents about noise and are currently working with the tenant to resolve the situation."