Soilfix’s emergency procedures for encountering suspected unexploded ordnance (UXO) worked effectively at our Gloucester Quays Regeneration site this week when a ‘bomb shaped’ metallic object was identified. After the area was cordoned off, Gloucestershire Police called in the Bomb Disposal Unit of the Royal Logistics Corps, who recommended the exclusion zone be increased to 400m due to the object being confirmed as potential live ordnance . This meant that the Sainsbury’s Store next door had to be evacuated and closed (sorry shoppers!).
The UXO was cleared within 40 minutes of the Bomb Squad arriving at site and the Soilfix site, Sainsbury’s store and surrounding roads re-opened, fortunately without significant disruption, and only 90 minutes from find to clearance!
There was considerable local press interest, however it was reported afterwards that the device was not live and did not require a controlled explosion. However better safe than sorry…….
Click here for press coverage of this incident.
