Mystery finds in Plymouth as major works stopped

Officials are preparing for any eventuality

With the disruption of the Keyham bomb still in every Plymothian's mind, council and police have said they are preparing for any eventuality as experts prepare to examine two "unknown metal objects" under Millbay land.

The council has said the investigative works at a patch of unused land between Bath Street and Martin Street in Millbay will be carried out on November 18 to determine exactly what the two metal objects are.

The council-owned land is in the early stages of development to transform the entire site into new Plymouth Community Homes affordable housing. As part of the ground investigation works, two metal objects were identified underground and the council has stressed that they could be any number of things, including reinforced concrete or pieces of track from the old railway station which was located nearby.

In a statement from the council, there has been no mention of World War II ordnance, although it is understandable that following the huge disruption which followed the discovery of a bomb in a Keyham back garden in February, that council chiefs and partner agencies, including the police, are aware of the possibility of it being something left behind by the Luftwaffe.

Council chiefs have said that to allow experts opportunity to determine what the objects are, all work has stopped within the compound of the development. Whilst the items remain underground, the experts have provided reassurance to the council that the area is very safe.

The council has said that as the items do need to be removed in order for the development work to continue and on 18 November experts plan to carry out an 'uncovering' to establish what the objects are. The council has said that during this work there will be no need to evacuate.

A council spokesperson said: "Whilst it is thought that in all likelihood the items will be old, abandoned equipment, the council has to prepare for all eventualities.

"Should the experts find that one or both items are not simply pieces of metal, they will need to assess the objects and determine how best to dispose of them. To do that, there is a small percentage chance that a cordon would need to be put in place. Details of how large the cordon would be, or how long it would be in place, would be determined by experts’ assessment of the items.

"The clear message to local residents and businesses at the moment is that the area is safe and there is currently no need to avoid the area. We will provide regular updates on the day through the Council website, social media or the Council's new What’s App channel."

Councillor Sally Haydon, Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: "The first thing to make clear is that we do not know what is under the ground in Millbay. Bear in mind that this site has previously had commercial premise on it, a brewery, a builder’s yard, a night club, a garage and a car park and there have never been any problems.

"All we know is that there are two metal objects and our experts have told us that there is a very strong likelihood that they are probably nothing to worry about.

"However, we do need to be prepared for all possibilities. So, we are letting people know in advance so when our experts do further exploratory works – if they find anything ominous they we will need to move quickly.

"There will never be a right time to do this work and we know that businesses in the area will have a lot of questions, and council officers are available to offer support to help them prepare and make any necessary decisions.

"We will update residents and businesses throughout this process. But for now, our advice is you are safe and you do not need to do anything or evacuate."

Plymouth Police Commander, Temporary Chief Superintendent Scott Bradley, said: "We have been preparing for this investigative work with the council and have a clear plan to deal with any eventuality once more is known as to what the objects are.

"We have a very close working relationship with the council and other partners to ensure the matter is dealt with safely and swiftly with as little impact as possible on businesses and residents in the area."

If you are a local business or hotel/bed and breakfast and would like to discuss the issue further you are urged to contact CommercialSupport@plymouth.gov.uk.

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