A BEEHIVE that set up shop in the chimney of a Northwich business has been rehomed.

The hive was found six weeks ago in the chimney of the Northwich Art Shop in Witton Street.

Phil Bower, owner of Northwich Art Shop, originally called on Cheshire West and Chester Council, but they were unable to help with the sticky situation.

On Thursday, the beehive was successfully removed by Paul Jones Pest Control and relocated to a beehive in the country – a more suitable place than the bees’ previous home in Northwich.

Phil said the hive must have contained in excess of 20,000 honey bees.

“We had one or two come in the shop but it was worse for the guy who rents the flat above us,” Phil said.

“He couldn’t have his window open and when he was lying in bed all he could bear is this buzzing going on.

“We were more concerned about the bears coming in, looking for the honey.

“I think bees should be in the countryside. I can’t imagine there’s an awful lot for them to do in town.”

Beehives can be successfully relocated if the new location is greater than three miles away—this ensures the bees re-orientate themselves to their new surroundings and do not fly back to the old hive area.

According to the British Beekeeper Association, the economic value of pollinating honey bees and bumblebees in the UK is estimated at £200 million per year.

Paul Jones said: "The access platform was supplied last minute and free of charge.

"The cost would have been around £300 if chargeable, which the landlady of the property wasn't prepared to pay as it was outside the budget.

"If they hadn't supplied it for free then the only option would have been to exterminate the bees, so big thanks to United Powered Access."