WORK has begun to prepare the bowling green in the Denes park for the installation of beehives.

Councillors recently gave planning approval for the Darlington Beekeepers Association to use the disused green in the Bowling Dene to site up to ten hives.

The site is already secured by a tall wire fence, but the Association is now working on further security measures to protect the hives from vandals.

Over the next two weeks CCTV cameras, monitoring equipment and notices will be fitted at the green and wildflowers will also be planted with the help of Darlington Friends of the Earth.

The Association hopes that the hives will be placed by mid-April and is looking forward to involving the local community in their upkeep.