Pill 'bomb' was scrap metal - latest

AN object found buried in a river bank in Pill which was at first thought to be an unexploded World War II bomb, has now been identified as a harmless piece of metal.

The suspicious object was discovered last week during preparation work for a tidal defence scheme at Pill.

But an excavation by the Environment Agency and Bactec, specialists in clearing unexploded weapons, began on Friday and revealed the object to be a collection of corroded scrap metal, possibly from a boat and a larger cylindrical item. All of the objects have now been removed from the site and the whole area refilled with soil.

A further scan has been taken to make sure the area is completely clear. This will now enable the main flood defence works to start.

Philip Barlow, from the Environment Agency, said: "It was always possible that the object could turn out to be a harmless piece of metal that has been washed inland from the Bristol Channel, but we had to be cautious and ensure the safety of both workers and people living in the area."

'All clear' leaflets are now being distributed to residents by staff from North Somerset Council, NS Housing and the Primary Care Trust. All the agencies involved have thanked the residents of Pill for their "patience, co-operation and community spirit" while this incident was being dealt with.

Plans were in place to evacuate more than 180 houses if the metal object had been confirmed as an explosive.

The device would then have been moved three-quarters of a mile upstream, nearer to the Avon Gorge, and either detonated under water, if the water level is at least 9m deep, or in a controlled explosion.

Residents would have been moved to "rest houses" while others were expected to be put up in bed and breakfasts or stay with family or friends