A colony of bees that has taken over a tree in a busy street is to be evicted today.

A City of Hamilton spokeswoman said the hive, located near the Church of God Heritage Worship Centre on Hamilton’s Dundonald Street, will be removed by beekeeping experts Passion Fields at 7pm.

She added warning signs had been put up in the area to alert the public until the hive can be removed.

Spencer Fields of Passion Fields said: “I need to extract the bees when traffic and pedestrians are at a minimum.

“This hive has caused anxiety as it is only about four feet up from the ground. I’m hoping to safely extract as many bees as possible.”

Steven DeSilva, superintendent of parks for the city council, said: “Whenever we have a hive or swarm in the city, we call upon professionals.

“Mr Fields is a passionate beekeeper and will do his utmost to save as many bees as possible and move them to a safe place.”

Mr DeSilva added: “I urge the public to please steer clear of the affected area until the hive has been removed and under no circumstances is anyone to kill or tamper with the bees.

He added: “We require a favourable outcome for both the public and the bees.”