Plymouth bomb to be disposed of today
It will be taken out to sea, and homes on the route will need to be evacuated
An unexploded bomb found in a garden in Plymouth is going to be disposed of today (Friday 23rd)
Over the past few days, bomb disposal experts from the Army and Navy have been assessing the device to determine with partners the best possible approach for its disposal.
They've now decided the safest and least impactful option is to remove the device from St Michael Avenue and travel to the Torpoint Ferry slipway – for the bomb to be disposed of at sea (beyond the Breakwater).
Highly trained bomb disposal experts will carefully remove the device from the property and it will be transported by road in a military convoy, west along Parkside and Royal Navy Avenue, joining at the junction on Saltash Road to continue south joining Albert Road, turning right along Park Avenue and heading down Ferry Road to the Torpoint Ferry terminal.
Anyone who lives within 300 metres of the route will need to leave their homes TODAY for about three hours. You will need to leave your home by 2pm and we anticipate you will be able to return by 5pm.
If you need help or support to do this, please call 01752 668000.
The rest centre at the Life Centre remains open to support people who do not have anywhere to go.
In addition, the main trainline will be closed, ferries (including the Torpoint Ferry) will be suspended and buses will be diverted.
Once the operation is complete, the Police will begin to reopen the roads.
Everyone must avoid the area during this period.
Plymouth City Council says "We are very grateful for the patience of residents at this difficult time and all agencies are doing everything they can to minimise any ongoing disruption.
"We will aim to keep residents informed throughout the operation. The Council will announce when roads are being reopened on: www.plymouth.gov.uk and on social media."