RELIEVED residents have welcomed the removal of a large number of unmanaged beehives from a residential property in Worcester - but are calling for clearer guidance to prevent future plagues of bees.

The case involved a property in Warndon Villages that had 21 unmanaged hives, containing up to one million bees in its garden. Residents reported multiple bee stings, anxiety about outdoor space, and disruption to daily life. Local tradespeople had also refused to return due to safety concerns.

City Councillor Sarah Murray, who supported residents throughout the process, welcomed the outcome and praised the professionalism of the response.

She said: "This is a really important result for local residents. People were frightened, unable to enjoy their gardens, and worried for their children and pets. I'm pleased that after raising these concerns through the correct channels, we now have a resolution -- and without the need for formal enforcement."

Following community complaints and an inspection by Worcestershire Regulatory Services, the beekeeper voluntarily removed all hives from the property.

While no legal notice was ultimately served, WRS confirmed that the matter was taken seriously and was close to progressing to formal enforcement if action had not been taken.

Coun Murray also called for future consideration of clearer local and national guidance around high-density urban beekeeping, particularly in residential areas.

She continued: "No one is against bees -- they're vital to the environment. But like anything, they need to be kept responsibly. While the hives have now been removed, many residents have told me they're still worried the situation could return in future. That's why I'm now in correspondence with our MP Tom Collins, to explore how local authorities can be better equipped to deal with cases like this -- so we have clearer powers and guidance to prevent repeat situations, and ensure communities feel properly protected."

A resident living near the property added: "We're relieved the hives have finally been removed -- it's been a long and stressful experience. People were genuinely frightened to be in their own gardens. We're grateful to Coun Murray and to WRS for taking our concerns seriously, but many of us are still worried this could happen again. There needs to be clearer rules around how many hives can be kept in residential areas -- so that other neighbourhoods don't go through this."