To bee or not to bee – that was the question for contractors working on the demolition of Glovers Walk in Yeovil when they discovered a wall was – literally – buzzing.
Two colonies of bees had set up home in wall cavities and were living up to their reputation of being busy when the contractors discovered them.
The canny insects had chosen a particularly inaccessible spot, so it was time for the demolition team to come up with some sweet ideas.
First an enticing hive was set up on the building’s roof, but that idea failed to flower. Eventually – and after enduring a stinging response from the bees – the contractors managed to knock a hole through to the nests. With the help of an expert beekeeper two queens were captured – plus around 70,000 bees.
They have been taken to a peaceful location in South Wales where, hopefully, they will flourish, none the worse for their urban adventures.
Councillor David Woan, Associate Lead Member for Business Strategy and Yeovil division member, said:
“This caused quite a buzz locally. I understand that it was quite a precarious job to get to the bees who were protecting their honey. Our contractors are definitely the bees knees!”
Glovers Walk is being demolished with the long-term the plan to redevelop the 2.2 acre site for mixed use aimed at providing a foundation for economic regeneration of the area as part of a revitalised town centre.
