Falmouth Docks: up to 1,300 homes told to prepare to leave

If you live near Falmouth Docks, tomorrow could be the day a police officer knocks on your door and asks you to leave. Cornwall Council and police are preparing support for what could become one of the town’s biggest evacuations in years, as specialists move to make safe a piece of unexploded wartime ordnance.

Why the cordon is about to grow

The safety cordon around the device is currently 300 metres and will stay that way overnight. But it is expected to expand to 1,400 metres tomorrow, Wednesday 23 September, to allow military bomb disposal specialists to remove it safely.

Superintendent Ian Thompson, policing commander for West Cornwall, said an expanded cordon of 1,400 metres is likely to go up tomorrow morning “in order for the unexploded wartime bomb near Falmouth Docks to be removed.”

“The potential increase of the cordon follows advice from military bomb disposal experts and the possible evacuation of approximately 1,309 households is essential so these specialists can proceed safely with the next stage of their work,” he said.

Check if your postcode is affected

Residents are being urged to check cornwall.gov.uk/falmouthincident to see whether their postcode falls inside the wider evacuation area. Being listed there does not automatically mean a property will need to be evacuated. The precise area and timing will be confirmed by police, and teams will visit affected properties in person to explain what residents need to do and where to go.

Anyone outside the current cordon does not need to leave because of this announcement, though residents should still follow any instructions given by police or visiting teams.

What to do if you’re told to leave

Superintendent Thompson said anyone inside the expanded area, if it goes ahead, is “strongly urged to leave your home by 9am on Wednesday 23 September.” Cornwall Council is preparing reception centres for anyone with nowhere else to spend the day, along with support for people who need help leaving their homes.

Cllr Thalia Marrington, portfolio holder for Community Safety and Public Health, said the council was giving people advance notice so they could check whether they might be affected and prepare in good time.

“I know the idea of leaving your home is unsettling. We’re giving people advance notice so you can check whether you may be affected and prepare well in advance,” she said. “If you are asked to leave, please follow their instructions. If you need help getting somewhere safe, tell the team visiting your home. We are preparing reception centres and support for people who need them, and we will keep you updated as the plans are confirmed.”

Anyone currently within the existing 300 metre cordon should continue to follow police instructions in the meantime.

What the council and police are saying

Superintendent Thompson said protecting lives was the priority, and that military teams would not be able to safely remove the device until they were reassured the area had been evacuated.

“Police, with support from our partner agencies, will be in the area to speak directly with affected residents and ensure they have the support they need,” he said. “Our priority is public safety and protecting lives and it is important to note that our military colleagues will not be able to safely remove this device until they are reassured that the area has been evacuated. We are very grateful for the co-operation of residents at what we appreciate is a difficult and concerning time. All agencies are working together to do everything they can to minimise any ongoing disruption.”

Both the council and police said updates would continue to be published at cornwall.gov.uk/falmouthincident as the arrangements are confirmed.

📷Aerial view of Falmouth Docks and the town.