More than 170 World War II bombs were discovered under a children’s playground in Wooler, Northumberland, last month during renovation work. The initial find occurred in mid-January when workers unearthed a suspicious object that turned out to be an old training bomb.
- Over 170 WWII bombs found in England
- Discovery made during park renovations
- Area likely used as training base
- Bombs buried after the war ended
- Ongoing excavation could reveal more bombs
- Plans for an all-inclusive playground delayed
The discovery at Scotts Park has raised concerns among local officials and residents. Wooler councilor Mark Mather expressed shock at the situation, noting that children had been playing above buried explosives. The area was likely used as a training base during World War II, and after the conflict, the bombs were buried rather than removed.
As of now, a total of 176 bombs have been found, with the excavation still in progress. Key findings include:
- 65 10-pound practice bombs with charges and smoke cartridges found in one pit.
- 90 additional practice bombs discovered a day later in the same location.
- Only about one-third of the park has been excavated, indicating more bombs may still be present.
The park was slated for renovations to include an all-inclusive playground, but the discovery of the bombs has delayed these plans. Mather mentioned that while these are termed practice bombs and are not live, they still pose a hazard due to their intact fuses and contents. The excavation work is expected to continue into mid-February.
This situation highlights the lingering effects of World War II, as unexploded ordnance remains a concern in various locations. The ongoing excavation at Scotts Park serves as a reminder of the past and the importance of safety in public spaces.
