States meet with expert over war bomb risk

Deputies asked former soldier Ben Remfrey to produce evidence of unexploded bombs in St Peter Port

The States of Guernsey has held a meeting with a bomb disposal expert who raised concerns about unexploded World War Two bombs in St Peter Port.

Former soldier Ben Remfrey had called for the meeting with States members earlier this month about three bombs he believes could still be in a field near Route Isabelle.

The States said the meeting on Monday was attended by Bailiwick Law Enforcement and deputies, who asked Mr Remfrey to compile a file of evidence for consideration by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Mr Remfrey said he still believed there was conclusive evidence three airdropped devices posed a threat to the community.

Head of Law Enforcement Chief Officer Ruari Hardy said any evidence would be considered in an appropriate and proportionate way.

A survey carried out in 2019 found no evidence of bombs, but Mr Remfrey urged the States of Guernsey to complete a full intrusive survey to look deeper in the ground.

The States said it took public safety seriously and had taken appropriate steps on the situation at the time, including consulting the MoD.

'Further action'

Mr Remfrey was asked at the meeting to provide a digital dossier of information, which the States said it would use to again consult with the MoD if the evidence changes.

Mr Hardy said it was "important for us to listen to all experts in a matter such as this".

"We now better understand Mr Remfrey's position, and will be able to reflect that to the Ministry of Defence," he said.

"We have said all along that we have not been closed off to the potential of further action should new evidence emerge, or the advice from our partners in the UK change."