“Mr Asbo” the swan, whose repeated outbursts of violence and unprovoked ferocity are legendary amongst terrorised rowers on the River Cam, may soon face eviction from his Ditton Fen dominion.

Since the death of his cygnets in 2009, the winged warrior has subjected petrified oarsmen to a catalogue of attacks. However, his timely breeding habits saved him from eviction last year, as the move would have been illegal during nesting season.

River authorities are anxious to avoid a repeat performance. With an expert capable of overseeing the move and a suitable, distant site established, Cam Conservators have submitted an application to Natural England, government advisors on environmental policy, for the swan and his mate to be relocated 50 miles away.

It is a displacement so extensive as to offer Mr Asbo no way back, and one that Sinéad Lynch, a Cox from St John’s, described as tantamount to “eviction to Australia”. Lynch added, though, “from the point of view of Coxes being victimized, I’m utterly thrilled”.

Mercy Dennis-Smith, another Johnian rower who described an attack as “the most terrifying thing that’s ever happened to me on the river” added vehemently “Rowers will not be sorry to see Mr Asbo gone”.

The swan has long divided opinion. Whilst the Cambridgeshire Rowing Association in 2010 appealed to no lesser authority than the Queen in its bid to oust the elegant hellraiser, a determined body of Fen Ditton residents have lined up in his defense.

It is the danger posed by attacks on rowers, however, and the risk the bird faces of retaliation that have ultimately paved the way for eviction.

River manager Dr Philippa Noon said she hoped Natural England would make a decision within weeks, before the start of nesting season makes it impossible. She said “we have obvious safety concerns for local river users and parallel concerns for the birds and any retaliatory attacks on them.”

Adversaries and allies alike are sure to await Natural England’s decision with tense anticipation.