Colchester city centre wardens made a startling discovery last Friday, 12 April, when they found 20 rounds of historical live ammunition on the riverbank in Castle Park. The ammunition was promptly handed over to Essex Police for safe disposal.
The situation escalated when a suspected hand grenade was found submerged in the river the following Sunday morning. Essex Police acted swiftly, calling in Army bomb disposal experts to perform a controlled detonation of the device in Lower Castle Park.
It is believed that these hazardous items were uncovered by individuals engaged in unauthorised treasure hunting. Prior to being disturbed, the deeply buried ammunition was not considered a threat to public safety, but its discovery has sparked significant concern.
“The find highlights the dangers of unauthorised digging and the potential threats lurking beneath,” said a spokesperson for Essex Police. “We are relieved that these items were found before any harm could come to the public.”
In response to these incidents, Colchester City Council is implementing stringent measures to prevent further unauthorized activities along the riverbanks. Signs are being installed to discourage digging and the use of metal detectors without proper permissions, emphasizing the risk to public safety and the potential damage to the environment and local wildlife.
Councillor David King, Leader of the Council, expressed his concerns about the recent findings:
“I am deeply concerned about the recent incidents along our riverbank, but incredibly thankful that no one was hurt. The safety of our residents and the preservation of our natural environment are of utmost importance. I urge members of the public to refrain from unauthorised digging and to respect the guidelines in place to protect our cherished green spaces.”
These measures reflect the council’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its residents and the preservation of the area’s natural beauty. The council is also calling for heightened awareness and cooperation from the public to adhere to the regulations and help maintain the safety and integrity of Colchester’s historical and environmental sites.
Source: Colchester City Council
