Over 400 homes have been evacuated as police continue with a clearance operation following the discovery of a suspected World War Two bomb in Newtownards.
Superintendent Johnston McDowell said: “This is a significant number of properties, and we thank residents for their patience and understanding. I would like to state that if home owners or residents have not been spoken to directly by police, or received information in relation to this matter, it’s unlikely that they will be impacted by the clearance operation at this time.”
He believes the clearance operation is likely to continue for several days.
“It is anticipated at this stage that the operation will continue for a number of days. A police cordon is in place and motorists are advised to continue to avoid the area.
“I appreciate the disruption that this has caused, however keeping people safe is paramount, and we will not take any risks. I want to thank those who may be affected for their patience at this time.
“We will continue to minimise any further disruption, as our priority is to keep residents and the local community safe.”
It follows the discovery of suspected World War Two bomb on a building site in the Rivenwood housing development near Newtownards on Friday.
DUP councillor for Newtownards Stephen McIIveen said many residents forced to leave their homes have had to find temporary accommodation.
“It appears that a lot of those who have left their properties have made arrangements with friends, family or local hotels and bed and breakfasts. The Council is providing temporary accommodation at the leisure centre.
“There are a number of agencies based at the leisure to provide assistance including the health trust and NIHE. They have helped people with more complex medical and social needs”.
The councillor also noted a “range of emotions” among residents, with the most common concern being the well-being of their household pets.
“From speaking to residents, I’ve observed a range of emotions, from those who are quite philosophical to those who haven’t slept since being informed about the discovery.”
“One of the biggest concerns relayed to me by the residents has been how to find housing for their pets. I know that Lost and Found Pets North Down/Ards and the surrounding area have been working hard to provide assistance in this regard.”
Army and police deal with a suspected World War Two bomb which was discovered on a building site in the the Rivenwood housing development area of Newtownards, Co. Down. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
People have been urged to stay away from the area.
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Superintendent Johnston McDowell continued: “Firstly, I would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding, as officers continue to minimise disruption and keep residents safe.
“As part of the public safety operation, officers are engaging with those residents directly impacted and providing a visible policing presence in the area.
“A cordon remains in place, as we continue to work closely with our partner agencies and we thank them for their ongoing assistance.
“With the clearance operation likely to continue for a number of days, I understand the significant disruption this will cause to the local community. Our priority is to keep residents and the local community safe.
“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support during this policing operation. We would continue to appeal to the public to avoid the area, with further information provided in due course.”
News Catch Up: Wednesday 14 August