Bees' Nest Removal

Does anyone have experience of removing a bees' nest?

We have one up our chimney; we originally thought they'd die off in Winter but we've read up about bees' nests and now realise we're stuck with it permanently unless we do something about it !

The honey and the wax are a potential fire hazard, being up the chimney, meaning that we can't just ignore it.

As the nest is not visible it's possible they're lodged into the masonry somehow (although the house is stone so there's hopefully no cavities for them to lurk in other than nooks and crannies up the flue).

My concern is that this is going to be expensive - they're presumably right up the top and removal is going to require a professional with scaffolding and/or a elevating platform thing. So it's not just a question of finding a local apiarist who'll take them away to add to his collection.

Also someone once mentioned ringing the sapeur pompiers - but they won't remove unless the nest is indoors and puts people at risk.

So - anyone been through anything similar? Anyone to recommend? Any ideas on costs?

Thanks!