A staggering 176 World War II bombs have been found buried under a children’s playpark in Wooler, Northumberland, with fears that more may still be unearthed. The first of these practice bombs, which still contain a charge, was discovered in January, leading to a large-scale excavation effort that has uncovered dozens more.
Investigators believe the site was once used as a Home Guard training ground, with unexploded ordnance buried at the end of the war.
Explosive Discovery Halts Wooler Playpark Construction
The shocking find came just as Wooler Parish Council began work on a £150,000 inclusive playpark expansion at Scotts Park. On January 14, workers digging the foundation discovered the first suspicious object, prompting an immediate site investigation.
Councillor Mark Mather expressed his disbelief at the situation, saying, “I never thought as a parish councillor I’d be dealing with bomb disposal.” He also voiced concern over how long children had unknowingly been playing on top of potentially hazardous explosives.
Over 150 Bombs Uncovered in Rapid Excavation
Military experts from Catterick Barracks confirmed the first discovery was a WWII training bomb. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) initially sent a team to assess the site and advised a full survey.
Specialist contractor Brimstone Site Investigations was brought in for what was supposed to be a two-day survey, but within hours, they uncovered 65 additional bombs, each weighing 10 lbs (4.5 kg). By the second day, the excavation had expanded, revealing 90 more devices, bringing the total to 176 discovered bombs.
While the devices are classified as practice bombs, they still contain an active charge, making them potentially dangerous. Councillor Mather explained, “They were found with the fuse and contents intact, so they could be hazardous.”
Who Will Cover the Cost of Bomb Removal?
Excavation work is expected to continue until mid-February, as more pits could still contain additional ordnance. However, funding the extensive operation became a major concern.
Mather revealed that the Army refused to assist in detecting or removing the bombs, leading to fears that the cost could bankrupt Wooler Parish Council. Fortunately, Northumberland County Council stepped in to cover the expenses, ensuring that the park’s redevelopment can move forward safely.
A Northumberland County Council spokesperson acknowledged the unexpected nature of the find but reassured the community that additional funding had been secured to ensure the area is made safe.
What Happens Next?
With excavation still ongoing, experts are cautiously optimistic but warn that more bombs may yet be found. Investigators are relying on historical accounts from local residents, which suggest that Wooler was a major Home Guard training site, where ordnance was likely discarded in pits at the end of World War II.
Until all explosives are cleared, the site will remain off-limits as a safety precaution. Local officials are determined to complete the playpark project without further delays but emphasize that public safety remains the priority.
