WHILE residents in Yeovil might be ‘buzzing’ as work to demolish buildings at Glovers Walk nears completion – builders on the site found one wall was, literally, doing the same…

Contractors working on the demolition project in the centre of the town discovered two colonies of bees had set up home in wall cavities.

“The canny insects had chosen a particularly inaccessible spot, so it was time for the demolition team to come up with some sweet ideas,” a Somerset Council spokesperson said.

First, an enticing hive was set up on the building’s roof, but that was ignored by the industrious insects.

Then, the workers managed to knock a hole through to the nests and with the help of an expert beekeeper, captured two queens – plus around 70,000 bees.

READ MORE: Toilets and waiting room at Yeovil Bus Station to move as demolition continues
READ MORE: Work underway on demolition of Glovers Walk in Yeovil

They have now 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.”

Work to demolish Glovers Walk is nearing completion, with the council’s long-term plan to redevelop the 2.2-acre site for mixed use, as part of a bid to revitalise Yeovil town centre.