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Evacuations to remove live mine | |
(1 day later) | |
The second stage of a large operation to remove bombs - including a live mine - from a former Hampshire Royal Navy airfield is taking place. | |
The project involves engineers extracting 20 World War II pipe bombs from HMS Daedalus at Lee-on-the-Solent. | |
Up to 3,000 people have been asked to stay away from their homes and the council have warned the evacuation may continue into Tuesday. | |
It is part of a five-week exercise which started last Monday. | |
Several roads have been closed and a 820yds (750m) exclusion zone incorporating about 900 homes has been put in place as a safety measure. | |
Reception centres have been set up for residents at Lee-on-the-Solent Community Centre and Crofton Community Centre in Stubbington. | |
People who have decided to stay at home have been asked by police to sign a disclaimer to say they understand the risks. | |
German invasion | |
The pipe bombs are being removed from five sites under the former airfield, which lies between Southampton and Portsmouth. | The pipe bombs are being removed from five sites under the former airfield, which lies between Southampton and Portsmouth. |
The bombs have been buried there since 1939, when they were planted so the airfield could be destroyed in the event of a German invasion. | The bombs have been buried there since 1939, when they were planted so the airfield could be destroyed in the event of a German invasion. |
Ian Hoult, emergency planner for Hampshire County Council, told BBC News: "Everything went superbly last week." | |
He said the bombs being dug up this week include a live mine. | |
"Therefore there will have to be a 750m (820yds) exclusion zone and road closures definitely on Monday and probably on Tuesday," he added. | |
HMS Daedalus, which makes up 256 acres (104 hectares), is one of the largest Brownfield sites on the Solent. | HMS Daedalus, which makes up 256 acres (104 hectares), is one of the largest Brownfield sites on the Solent. |