The wartime bomb is being removed from the site and those living close to the removal route have been evacuated from their homes overnight as work is carried out
A bomb discovery has forced 800 people to leave their homes overnight – with the local council admitting the situation is ‘far from ideal’.
The residents have been evacuated so a WWII device can be safely removed after being found on a building site in Plymouth.
The wartime device was discovered in Plymouth on Wednesday, January 14 and work has been carried out since then to assess the “safest and least disruptive method of disposal”. During this time several people have been demanded to leave their properties and then able to return as works have been paused.
Plymouth City Council announced at 11pm on Thursday, January 15 that locals within a 150 metre radius of the convoy route to remove the bomb need to get out of their houses as soon as possible. People will need to remain out of their homes overnight as the work is completed.
It is anticipated that this will not finish until 3am at the earliest. The bomb in Millbay has caused carnage since it was found, with road closures and people left stranded unable to stay in their residence.
The device was found during construction works on unused land between Bath Street and Martin Street. It was found after further testing was carried out at the site following an anomaly being identified in 2024.
As a result of the cordon, nearby buildings have had to close. Millbay Academy remains closed after shutting following the initial identification of the bomb.
The school has transferred to online learning during this time. The Moxy Hotel has also been shut with guests having to leave their rooms.
The hotel was evacuated swiftly and ensured all guests had alternative accommodation, however many left quickly and without their belongings. Council building Ballard House has also been closed and will remain shut on Friday (January 16) for any meetings or appointments.
As people have to get out of their homes an evacuation assembly point has been created at Christ the King Church Hall on Armada Way for those who have nowhere else to go. When police lift the cordon and work is complete, residents will be allowed to return home.
A spokesperson for Plymouth City Council said: “Once everyone has evacuated, the removal process can begin. While we cannot yet confirm the exact duration of the evacuation, we expect it to be complete by 3am.
“People are encouraged to watch the Council’s social media feeds on Facebook and X for updates.” Residents have already been evacuated from their homes after the discovery of the device but then were allowed to return.
“We recognise that leaving at short notice, particularly at night, is far from ideal. However, now that the device has been uncovered, the priority is to complete the operation swiftly and safely,” the spokesperson added.
“Residents who need help leaving safely should call 01752 668000.”
