Beekeeper in legal battle admits one of his insects stung resident

Jun 27 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A BEEKEEPER locked in a battle with Kirklees has said one of his insects stung a man.

Jason Clegg, from Longwood, has been ordered to remove his hives from Willwood Avenue allotment in Oakes because the bees are ‘livestock.’

Rodney Whitefoot, who lives next to the allotment, backs the council move as he was stung by the insects four weeks ago.

Mr Clegg told the Examiner on Thursday he had not heard of the incident. But yesterday he said he could recall it.

“I didn’t put two an two together at first,’’ he said. “I was moving one of my hives to the allotment when Mr Whitefoot was stung on the corner of his eyebrow by an unhappy bee.

“I removed the sting with my fingernail and offered him advice on what to do if it swelled up. I also apologised and offered him a jar of honey.”

The council has told Mr Clegg to remove his five hives of honey bees as they are classed as livestock by the 1950 Allotments Act.

However, Mr Clegg says he will sue for breach of contract if he is forced to move the 100,000 bees. Face-to-face talks are planned for July 2.

If you’re stung

A bee leaves a stinger which pumps venom into the victim for 20 minutes

The stinger must be removed quickly, but tweezers can squeeze more venom out

An ice pack should be applied to the affected area