Plymouth residents evacuated after suspected WW2 bomb found speak out about concerns
A cordon is being extended on Thursday morning
Last updated 22nd Feb 2024
Residents in Plymouth who have been forced to leave their homes after a suspected wartime bomb was found have been speaking out about their concerns.
A cordon around the major incident on St Michael Avenue in Keyham is being extended from 200 metres to just over 300 metres from 9.00am this morning (Thursday 22nd February).
Plymouth City Council say this cordon is likely to be in place for at least a 36-hour period. You can find everything you need to know about the extended cordon here.
Rebecca Hunt has now spent two nights away from home. She says they didn't expect to be out this long:
"When we got told to get out everyone was helping each other to get little bits, but obviously because we got told it's not going to be long, we didn't really grab enough.
"We were allowed to get the dog, get clothes and that's about it. We don't know anything else."
Timothy Holmes has also spent two nights away from home. He's worried if it carries on much longer:
"I'm disabled, my partner has got anxiety issues and a bad back, my two kids both with anxiety issues - they take medication for it. Luckily, all three of them grabbed their meds before they left the house.
"But I'm long-term disabled, if I'm out of my comfort space because of my legs and my back and everything else for too long, I'm going to start locking up."
"Really frustrating"
Connor spent Tuesday night with family: "Finished work yesterday and found out that we couldn't come come.
"We have medication at home, cats at home that have no water. Some people are being let in and some people aren't, it would be easier if they just said no and then we'd know. All we're hearing is the public saying mixed things, so it's really frustrating."
Marie lives in Keyham and says people are helping each other: "My friend lives on the corner, she's been evacuated so I've told her to come over whenever she wants. Everyone does come together to help each other out."
Jackie and her husband were evacuated on Tuesday and were allowed to return home briefly yesterday morning:
"We stayed in our daughter's house for the night and we've just gone up to get some clothes and medicine.
"We don't really know how long it's going to be. It's an awkward feeling as well because you can't get in your house, can't get in your own bed. It's something that's got to be done though."
Chief Superintendent Matt Longman has been trying to reassure those being evacuated:
"What Plymouth is absolutely brilliant at, and I can't thank people enough, is coming together in a time of crisis and that's what's happening now.
"I've got pets and I've got family who need medication - none of that will be overlooked. All of that is really, really important to people - especially when they're having a tough time - and that will all feature in our planning."
He adds that they're taking advice from the bomb disposal experts:
"There's a number of ways you could deal with it. We need to weigh up the pros and cons of all of them and come up with a plan. That's what's happening at this moment in time."
"This is for people's safety"
Neighbourhood Inspector Paul Laity admits it’s a difficult time for people, especially those facing a third night away from home:
"Of course it's a great upset to be asked to leave their homes for a period of time, but we are listening the experts of the bomb disposal team as to what their plan is and then we can make our plan around that.
"This is unprecedented, we want to make sure to response to that is appropriate."
A rest centre is now open at the Life Centre. Plymouth City Council say to go there if you are leaving home today due to the evacuation and require any help or support.
A free shuttle bus, provided by Plymouth Citybus will pick up throughout today starting at 8.00am and take people to the Life Centre who do not have access to their own transport.
Buses will pick up at Wolseley Road (Wolseley Road Flats outbound), Saltash Road (St Johnstone Social Club inbound) and St Levan Road (Ryder Road inbound). Buses will be every 15 minutes.
The City Council say if you are driving to the Life Centre, you can park at the Milehouse Park and Ride for the duration and no parking tickets will be issues.
They add that if you are being evacuated and need to find somewhere to park your car, there is enough space at the Park and Ride. It is free for anyone being displaced.