Search for bombs on a Saltash foreshore

The foreshore at Coombe Bay, Saltash is to be searched in the near future in a bid to establish that it is free from wartime explosives.

The instrumental and visual search is to be undertaken by the Ministry of Defence Bases and Supply Agency because it is known that the area may be liable to contamination by wartime bombs - although searches have been carried out there in the past.

The county council have been consulting the Royal Navy regarding public safety and awareness during the search and the Navy has adopted a number of recommendations, including one that local householders are due to be informed about the project very shortly.

Caradon council has been told of the situation. A report by the county's chief fire officer, Mr M J Howell, has outlined that, during an attack during World War 11 on Bull Point, Plymouth and Saltash, a number of ammunition barges moored in the River Tamar were struck by German bombs. In the resulting explosions the barges were destroyed and some of the munitions, comprising mainly of 2" shells, were blown on to the foreshore at Bull Point, and the riverbed, near the Tamar bridges, and also downstream towards Coombe Bay.

Immediately following the raid parts of the barges were recovered from Saltash, along with some unexploded munitions. However, after the war a number of searches were carried out to rid the area of any danger.

Mr Howells said in his report to the county's public protection committee: 'So that we can be absolutely sure that measures taken to date have been effective it is planned that a final search, using the latest technology, will be carried out this summer. The MoD will be responsible for the survey and the clearance of any objects found during the search. It must be said that it is extremely unlikely that anything of significance will be found.'

Mr Howells added: 'It must be stressed that this is a final search, and it is extremely unlikely that anything will be found.

If the need arises the county council, Caradon district council the MoD and the police will act together to ensure pubic safety, and minimal disruption in the area.'

Local Caradon representative for Saltash Essa ward, Baz Gregory, said that he was grateful for information he had received from emergency planning about the search. However he said that the Royal Navy had taken on the task of contacting people on the issue and he was concerned that they had not yet been in touch with local householders. He felt that they should do as soon as possible.