Evacuation underway in Falmouth due to unexploded wartime bomb
Cordon reduced as army experts advise residents to leave affected areas
Evacuations are continuing in Falmouth after a suspected unexploded Second World War bomb was discovered off Pendennis Headland near Falmouth Docks.
The device, believed to be a 250kg American wartime ordnance, was found in the water on Monday and is being assessed by a military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.
Police and emergency service partners have established a 755-metre safety cordon around the area, reduced from an initially proposed 1,400-metre exclusion zone following further advice from military disposal specialists.
Residents living within the cordon were asked to leave their homes by 9am on Tuesday. Cornwall Council said volunteers, council staff and emergency services were continuing to knock on doors to ensure those living within the exclusion zone had evacuated.
Resident Janet said she first learned about the evacuation from her daughter.
"I found out from my daughter actually, and she's 250 miles away," she said.
Janet said a neighbour had offered to help while the operation continued.
"I've got a neighbour coming to pick me up when the all-clear is given.
"I am very well looked after."
She added: "I'm sure we had something very similar 20-odd years ago, although it was before I moved here."
People inside the cordoned area have been reminded to follow police instructions, move outside the exclusion zone and not return until authorities confirm it is safe to do so.
The cordon affects an estimated 339 households.
A temporary reception centre has been set up at All Saints Church on Killigrew Street for anyone affected by the evacuation who has nowhere else to go while the operation is under way.
Another resident, Julia, said she had been told about the evacuation the previous day and had been helping neighbours reach the reception centre.
"It's quite exciting, but for the older people and the holidaymakers on our street it's not very easy for them," she said.
"So we've been helping them, bringing them here to the church.
"We just packed a few things in the car and left."
Julia said she was hopeful residents could return home later in the day.
"The tide is high at four and, as the bomb is moved out, the cordon goes with it, so hopefully by tonight we're back."
Superintendent Vicky Howell said: "We have extended the cordon around Falmouth Docks following the discovery of a suspected unexploded ordnance device.
"Specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal officers are on the scene and we are working closely with our partner agencies to manage the incident safely.
"We would like to thank local residents, businesses and members of the public for their patience and cooperation while this incident is ongoing.
"We ask people to continue avoiding the area and to follow any instructions given by emergency services personnel."
Councillor Thalia Marrington, Cornwall Council's portfolio holder for Community Safety and Public Health, said: "Our priority as always is resident safety, and I'd like to thank the emergency services and other partner agencies for putting plans together at such short notice in difficult circumstances."
Great Western Railway has suspended train services between Falmouth Town and Falmouth Docks while the operation is taking place. No replacement bus service is operating because local routes are also affected by the restrictions.
Residents who are unsure whether their property falls within the cordon can use the postcode checker provided by local authorities.
Cornwall Council said waste collections for properties inside the cordon should already have taken place. Any missed collections can be reported through the council's website.