By Margaret Crosby

Last updated 15:55, Wednesday, 30 April 2008

LOCAL celebrity Barney the Goose has gone, exiled, unceremoniously left town. His recent behaviour has resulted in a send-off and he has now been transferred from Whitehaven harbourside to Mockerkin Tarn.

AND THEN THERE WERE FOUR... The remaining geese on the harbour

In March a 74-year-old pensioner fell over and broke her foot during an attack by the goose and more recently he has had a snap at a child.

“It was felt his behaviour was becoming just a bit too aggressive and a danger to people using the harbour,’’ said a spokesperson at Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners.

A wildlife expert was consulted and it was decided that a move away from people would be the best. A lone-female goose is known to inhabit Mockerkin so Barney will hopefully be able to strike up a new friendship – there could even be Barney goslings in prospect.

His departure leaves four geese still on the harbour, which will no doubt be on their best behaviour.

Since his arrival the goose has been regarded with affection, seen as a replacement for the previous Barney who was cruelly shot and killed in 2003. Subsequently he suffered a broken leg in a 2006 dog-attack, an injury repaired at the Knoxwood animal centre.

Both birds had been given the Barney moniker in tribute to the 19th century Barney the Goose folklore character who was adopted by Whitehaven townspeople and was known to call in at local pubs for a sup of ale.