Plymouth residents refusing to evacuate homes as they have 'no legal obligation'

22 February 2024 , 15:16

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A police officer speaks to a member of the public after homes were evacuated (Image: PA)

More than 3,000 people have been affected by the discovery of a suspected Second World War explosive device in Plymouth but are refusing to leave their homes as they are not legally obliged to.

Devon and Cornwall Police said they were called on Tuesday morning after the object was found in a garden on St Michael Avenue. Plymouth City Council said 1,219 properties and an estimated 3,250 people were impacted by a 300-metre cordon imposed around the Keyham area. Many have been forced to stay in hotels or with relatives while a respite centre has also been set up at the nearby Plymouth Life Centre.

But some residents said that despite the warnings they were not going anywhere- even though police are asking them to evacuate. One said: "Not myself. It's not that easy for those with multi-pet/pets with additional needs to simply 'get out'." Another said: "I have two cats and am unable to take them with me and not prepared to leave them on their own for three days.

"Plus if it's that dangerous for me why would I leave my cats here to die alone? If I had somewhere for my cats to go then of course I would go. I don't want them in danger either but I have nowhere to take them that's the reason I'm staying."

Jess Chapman 26, inside Plymouth Life Centre (SWNS)

One woman claimed she had recently discovered some "concerning" metal while working in her garden. Jess Chapman, 26, was woken by a knock on the door this morning telling her to leave after working a night shift. She added: "To be brutally honest - I actually had a sneaky suspicion it could happen.

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"I was actually digging not too long ago in my own garden to make a shed and my boyfriend found some random bits of metal scrap, so I was like 'please stop - we live by the dockyard - anything could happen'. I will definitely be extra cautious in my garden from now on and I think there will be a metal detector just to check what is around me."

Those who will have to move out of the expanded cordon are being told to take enough clothes, medical prescriptions or equipment they may need for the next couple of days. Properties in more than 20 streets are now facing evacuation, while many more addresses are falling within a cordon of restrictions.

A police officer stands in a back alley after homes were evacuated (PA)

Cllr Sally Haydon said the Life Centre respite centre had been open since 7am this morning. She said: "What we are saying is if you are in the cordoned area and don't have family or friends you can stay with - please come to the Life Centre. Everything here has been all catered for. We are not expecting to see 3000 people. The first night we accommodated 31 families, and last night 91 families -so let's see how many we get today."

A council spokesman said: "Any vulnerable person that is known to the council has been contacted directly and we have worked closely with local community groups and organisations to cascade information out. In addition, this morning a team of 200 volunteer doorknockers from organisations including: mountain rescue, search and rescue, 4x4 responders, the police, military and fire service have been in the Keyham area, visiting each house, providing information and an offer of support if people need help."

Rachel Hagan