Cllr Sarah Murray, Liberal Democrat City Councillor for St Nicholas ward in Warndon Villages and Worcester City Council’s Member Champion for Personal Safety and Civility in Public Office, has welcomed the successful resolution of a long-running issue involving 22 unmanaged beehives in a residential area of Warndon Villages.
The hives, which had become a source of anxiety for nearby residents due to swarming, noise, and pollen accumulation, were peacefully and voluntarily removed earlier this spring following ongoing dialogue and support from local councillors and environmental officers.
One resident described the change as transformative:
“It really has felt like I have moved to a new home. I now have bumblebees, butterflies and an abundance of small birds in my garden. There’s no more noise, no more bees dying on the patio, and I can sit outside without fear. It has made a huge difference to my wellbeing.”
Cllr Murray said:
“This was a complex and sensitive issue that required patient engagement and a calm, fact-based approach. I’m grateful to residents for the trust they placed in me, and to officers who worked behind the scenes to support a respectful outcome.
I’m particularly pleased that residents are now able to enjoy their gardens again — and that the relocation has supported a healthier, more balanced ecosystem for pollinators in the area.”
“As someone with a long-standing commitment to environmental causes, I understand better than most how vital pollinators are to our ecosystems. But like any ecological intervention, location and management matter. When hives are left unmanaged in dense residential areas, they can create risks — not just for residents but for the bees themselves.
Good environmentalism isn’t about slogans. It’s about thoughtful, proportionate decisions that protect people and nature in tandem. That means working with residents — not ignoring them — to find the right solutions for the right places.”
The outcome, she said, demonstrates that it’s possible to uphold environmental values while still listening to those directly affected.
Cllr Murray, who also serves as Chair of the City Council’s Standards Committee, added:
“This is a reminder of how local democracy works best: through listening, problem-solving, and respectful collaboration.”
No enforcement action was ultimately required, as the beekeeper agreed to remove the hives voluntarily before the Council’s abatement deadline. Ongoing monitoring will ensure any future changes are managed appropriately.
