A controversial proposal that would The presence of a notoriously aggressive swan known locally as "Mr Asbo" has ignited tension on the river Cam between local boaters and Cambridge rowers.

Mr Asbo has been causing problems for rowers in recent months. Swans can be aggressive when defending their youngRichard Bartz

The swan has previously attacked rowers, and the Conservators of the River Cam are seeking permission from Natural England to relocate the swan after first writing to the Queen.

The police are also looking into an allegation of common assault after the swan’s staunchest defender Bob Middleton fought with rowers practising for the Cambridge University Bumps.

Middleton had cordoned off a 15 ft square area of the river to keep the swans safe during the crew’s practice. However, after cygnets were hit during the crew’s training session, Middleton manoeuvred his £300,000 barge to obstruct the rowers.

Police were then called to the scene of the altercation near The Plough Pub in Fen Ditton, with Middleton claims he was pushed into the river by Cambridge University rowers. The Cambridge University Combined Boat Club (CUCBC) spokeswoman confirmed there had been a "dispute".

Bill Key, president of the Cambridgeshire Rowing Association has asked the Conservators to "remove the offending bird".

Steve Austin, boat-owner and Fen Ditton resident, who witnessed the incident, said "He was lucky not to be killed as his propeller was still working."

Austin also expressed anger with the river authority’s attempts to remove the swan. "They are going to have this meeting but why don’t they ask the people of Fen Ditton? It’s our wildlife. I saw the swan being hit by rowers just last week. It is absolutely terrible."

However, Middleton (known as "Battleship Bob" for the grey paint of his 72-foot barge) has vowed to prevent the eviction of the swan and his mate, which is sitting on six eggs: "They will have to drag them out of my cold, dead hands.

"When they attack these rowers they are only protecting their young. I have seen one of their cygnets killed by an oar last year. Only one survived.

"The others were taken by foxes and kids have been taunting the birds and killing cygnets.

"You can’t blame them for attacking rowers. I’ve chased a few off myself."

Dr Philippa Noon, river manager for the Conservators of the River Cam, has said that the swan’s removal will be up for discussion at a public meeting in the Guildhall, at 9:30am on July 8th.