WORRIED mums have raised serious concerns about huge swarms of bees outside a primary school.

The parents say clouds of bees are nesting in the ground outside Friars Primary School, Constable Way, Shoebury. And they are petrified about children or parents being stung, or falling on the nests where the ground is crawling with them.

Natalie Parry, 36, of Elm Road, Shoebury, said: “I am allergic to any sting and it is bad enough that it would make me very poorly.

“It’s been going on for a few years and it’s getting worse each year.

“It’s a public health risk and something needs to be done about it very soon.

“I’ve contacted the council on various occasions, but nothing is being done and this makes me so angry.

“I’ve spoken to other parents who are petrified to walk past the bees and are very worried for themselves and for their children’s safety.”

Sally Morgan, 40, of Cunningham Close, Shoebury, is concerned too. She said: “I actually now walk another way to the school as I am worried about being stung.

“I don’t want my children hurt or anything, there are so many bees there that if a child fell onto them it would be awful. The bees should be moved to somewhere safe.

“I’ve also spoken to the school who told me they are worried about it too.”

Carole Mulroney, councillor for planning and the environment, said: “A member of the parks team has been out to investigate and the bees in question appear to be a species of mining bee, which tend to nest in the ground.

“The council generally does not remove bees nests in parks, green spaces or on the highway as they are an important part of the natural ecosystem, as pollinators.

“While we appreciate some people are allergic to bee stings, bees generally only sting as a defence mechanism, if they feel threatened or to protect their home.

“We would advise people to stay calm around bees, not wave their arms around when they see them in case the bee feels threatened and stings and do not disturb the bees or their nest.”

Principal Chris McClay said: “We have been made aware there is a high concentration of bees near to the school. A parent has contacted the council and Mr Roche, vice principal, will be doing the same. We want our school community to be safe on their way to and from the school.”