Mystery objects buried beneath Millbay are totally harmless

The “mystery” objects found buried underneath a patch of derelict land near Plymouth’s waterfront have turned out not to be unexploded World War Two bombs. Experts have dug at two sites on land at Millbay and found the items to be totally harmless.

Shane Moore, from leading unexploded ordnance specialist Brimstone Site Investigation, told PlymouthLive that the first site, next to Martin Street, was found to contain rebar, that's reinforced steel rod, in a concrete slab. It was sitting under another concrete slab.

The other site, next to Bath Street, contained a flat steel slab, about six inches square, and part of a cast iron manhole cover. It was buried about 1.2m deep.

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Mr Moore said the items had produced a signal when the site was surveyed by specialist equipment. But he stressed: "The two anomalies have been deemed safe."

Experts, with the police in attendance. began digging at a site that was once part of the Martin Street car park at about 11am today. Using earth moving equipment they soon found the rebar and then moved on to the second site, next to Bath Street.

They dug a deeper hole there and found the steel plate and iron manhole cover. The two holes have been filled on and the area is now set to be turned into housing.
The two items were discovered about a year ago on land that is earmarked for a £33.5m housing development. Plans have been approved for 136 homes on the site, which will have only 26 parking spaces as it is deemed an “eco-friendly” neighbourhood.

Nearby residents and businesses were warned to prepare for a possible cordon to be put up in the area if the objects turned out to pose a danger.

Earlier this year an unexploded bomb in Keyham required the largest evacuation programme carried out in the city since World War Two. The bomb was safely removed and detonated at sea.

Plymouth City Council said it has been preparing for all eventualities and had told people living near the site to take an overnight bag, and any medication they might need, if leaving their homes today. However at 11.50am today the council reported that there was “nothing untoward” under the former Martin Street car park.

At 12.23pm the council said a large steel plate and reinforced concrete was found at the second site, near Bath Street. The council said this meant the operation was over.

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