Plymouth bomb cordon to be extended on Thursday morning
It's going to be extended to 300 metres from 9am
Last updated 22nd Feb 2024
A cordon around the scene of an unexploded World War Two bomb in Plymouth is going to be extended on Thursday morning.
It's currently at 200 metres, but from 9am it'll be extended to 300.
It's to allow bomb disposal experts to work on the devices, and is expected to be in place for at least 36 hours.
Teams from the Council and partner agencies will be in the area to knock on the doors of affected properties from 8am to ensure that residents have the support they need.
Residents are being encouraged to make arrangements to stay with friends and family over the next couple of days.
A rest centre at the Life Centre will be open to accommodate people who do not have this option.
Plymouth City Council is advising residents who have homes that fall within the new cordon to take enough clothes and any medical prescriptions or equipment for the next couple of days to ensure they have the support they need when they evacuate.
"We know this will be worrying"
In a statement, the council says "We know that this will be worrying, but please be assured Plymouth City Council, the local Police, NHS and other partners are working closely together to ensure your safety and wellbeing whilst this process is being undertaken."
Residents in the existing 200m cordon will be able to collect any items from their homes that they may need over the next 36 hours from this evening. This can be done by approaching police officers at the cordon.
The Beacon Centre will remain open until 10pm tonight. If you are unable to evacuate or you need additional help and support, please call: 01752 668000 (available over the next 24 hours)
The city council has issued this advice for residents evacuating by 9am
Which roads are affected?
Residents who live in the following streets will be required to evacuate:
Alexandra Road, Alexandra Terrace, Alfred Place, Alfred Road, Barton Avenue, Beatrice Avenue, Bedford Street, Berkshire Drive, Brunel Avenue, Brunel Terrace, Cambridge Road, Clyde Street, Cotehele Avenue, Epworth Terrace, Henderson Place, Kempe Close, Kent Road, Maristow Avenue, Moor View, North Down Crescent, North Down Gardens, Ocean Street, Parkside, Railway Cottages, Renown Street, Royal Navy Avenue, Sanctuary Close, St. Aubyn Avenue, St. Michael Avenue, Station Road, Sussex Road, Sussex Terrace, Townshend Avenue, Warleigh Avenue, York Terrace.
In some case, only part of the street will be inside the cordon. A map is available.
Teams will be out knocking on doors from 8am tomorrow.
Where do I go?
You will be most comfortable over the next few days with friends or family. So, we would encourage you to make your own arrangements. However, if that isn’t possible – from 7am tomorrow, the Plymouth Life Centre (Mayflower Drive, PL2 3DG) will be open where staff can provide help and support.
How I get to the Life Centre?
A free shuttle bus, provided by Plymouth Citybus will pick up throughout tomorrow starting at 8am 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.
Can I take my pets to the Life Centre?
Unfortunately, we have no way of accommodating pets (including at the Life Centre). We know that this is really difficult, but we would ask that you please make arrangements for your pets to stay with friends and family.
What should I take with me?
Please take enough clothes for the next couple of days. Remember to take any medications or medical equipment that you might need, including walking sticks, frames or walking aids. Please take any hygiene products you may need.
I have a baby – what should I take?
If you are going to the Life Centre and are taking a baby, please make sure you bring sterilising equipment, nappies, baby milk etc. There are facilities at the Life Centre to warm milk in the cafe and also baby changing areas.
What if I don’t want to evacuate?
The military advice is clear – if you live within 309m of the device, you will need to evacuate to ensure your safety.
What do I do before I leave home?
Please remember to switch off all appliances before you leave your home and where possible leave your windows open. Cars should be removed from inside the cordon.
We also strongly recommend that you turn off the stop tap to isolate water to your property. This may be out in the footpath or an internal stop tap within the property itself.
By doing this it will prevent any extended damage to the property should there be an internal plumbing fitting leak.
When returning to your property we advise you to slowly reopen the stop tap to restore water inside the property and keep a careful watch for any leaks. Should you find that a leak has occurred you should contact a reputable plumber and your insurance provider.
I am not physically able to leave my home
If you need help in order to leave your home safely – please call: 01752 668000
What about my children’s school or nursery?
There are no schools or nurseries within the 309m cordon. Therefore, all schools in the city will remain open.
I would like to talk to someone about my mental health
If you are currently struggling with your mental health and feel like you are in a crisis, call Livewell’s First Response service via NHS 111 (selecting the mental health option) for advice, support and signposting from one of our mental health professionals.
If you find you are struggling to cope, feeling low, anxious or overwhelmed by your thoughts or feelings (but not in a current crisis, in which case call 111 mental health option) then call NHS Talking Therapies Plymouth on 01752 435419. Lines are open Monday to Friday (09.00-17.00)
I have an appointment at a GP / hospital or a health professional is due to come to my home – what do I do?
Please continue to attend scheduled GP or hospital appointments as planned. The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled. If you have a professional coming to your home, we are working with the NHS and other care providers to coordinate. You will be contacted directly. However, if you have any questions – please call 01752 668000 who will be able to help.
I have to collect a prescription – what do I do?
All pharmacies across the city are open as usual.
If you are unable to evacuate or you need additional help and support, please call: 01752 668000