Plea to Queen over noisy cockerel

Campaigners trying to save a cockerel from being "evicted" from a Tyneside housing estate have called on Buckingham Palace for help.

Basil arrived in a garden in Henderson Avenue, Gateshead, six months ago and was adopted by many of the residents.

But complaints about his early morning crowing prompted housing officials to issue the bird with a notice to quit.

Now Basil's fans have written to Buckingham palace asking the Queen to back their campaign.

Gateshead Housing Company wrote to residents saying Basil was livestock and could not be kept under existing tenancy agreements.

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

New home

Katie Wilkin, whose mother lives in Henderson Road, organised a "Save the Henderson Hen" campaign, and said she had contacted the palace by e-mail.

She said: "We just hope that we get something so the council will allow us to keep Basil in the garden."

Basil's keeper Joyce Callaghan added: "We are all heartbroken by this.

"He has been offered two new homes, but we would rather he be allowed to stay here."

Gateshead Housing Company said allowing Basil to remain would be a breach of its tenancy agreement.

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

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Gateshead Council
British Monarchy
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites