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Steel plate and reinforced concrete found at site

BBC Heavy machinery and a police officer are at the site. A grey building with lots of windows is at the site. A brown fence and a bush are at the left of the image. A small yellow plastic barrier is next to the bush. BBC
People living in Millbay were asked to think about what essential items they should take with them and where they would stay if a cordon was put in place

A large steel plate and reinforced concrete have been found at a building site in Plymouth, the city council has confirmed.

Plymouth City Council (PCC) had asked residents to prepare an overnight bag ahead of an examination of two unknown objects at the site between Bath Street and Martin Street in the Millbay area where 136 affordable homes are being built.

Following an examination on Monday, experts advised there was "nothing untoward" at the first location, the council said.

It said: "The work to uncover the second site is now complete. They are now refilling the holes and the operation is over."

Plymouth City Council Large steel plate. The item is on the ground and is covered in mud an debris. Plymouth City Council
The operation uncovered a large steel plate, the council confirmed

PCC previously said the items, found in 2023, were most likely reinforced concrete or pieces of railway track.

However, it said it still had to plan "for all eventualities".

Speaking ahead of the work, resident Ian Creasy said it would be "rather senseless to not have some concern".

Guitar tutor Greg Clarke, who has a studio "extremely close" to the site, said it was "all a bit concerning".

"It will be a shame if I have to cancel my lessons," the self-employed teacher said.

Plymouth resident Antony Spencer said he was "mildly concerned".

"As far as I'm aware, the cordon is only just around the site at the moment," he said.

"It hasn't gone any further than that but that depends on what they find."

Workers in his-vis at the site. The workers are wearing his-vis jackets, helmets and ear defender. A heavy machine is digging into the concrete car park.
The council said last Thursday an evacuation was not planned but people were advised to be prepared

The Box museum in Plymouth holds what it calls the bomb book, a record of where and when various World War Two devices were dropped on the city.

Media archivist Stacey Anderson said Bath Street and Martin Street were named in it.

The museum also has a black and white still image from 1941 showing damage to the railway embankment near Bath Street.

The council said on Thursday an evacuation was not planned but people were advised to be prepared as there is a "small chance" a cordon might be asked for.

Millbay Academy announced on Friday it would be shut for the day as a precaution.

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