States to consult MoD over buried WW2 bombs
THE States is to consult with the Ministry of Defence over the threat posed by three Second World War bombs believed to be buried in a field near Route Isabelle, following a meeting with local bomb expert Ben Remfrey.
The meeting, which was also attended by Home Affairs president Rob Prow and Head of Law Enforcement Ruari Hardy, saw Mr Remfrey outline his concerns and present relevant information in his possession.
While the meeting did not bring the differing viewpoints – particularly regarding risk – of the two sides together, a way forward has been agreed.
Mr Remfrey will provide information in a digital dossier, which the States will use to consult with the MoD to seek its opinion on whether circumstances at the site have changed. Initial discussions have already taken place.
A non-intrusive survey of the site was commissioned by Home Affairs in 2019, but this was labelled as ‘wholly inappropriate’ by Mr Remfrey. He said that documented historical evidence pointed to the bombs being at least 26 feet deep.
Mr Remfrey, managing director of Praedium Consulting Malta and the MAT Kosovo EOD & ERW Training Establishment, believed there was no alternative other than to conduct an intrusive deep survey of the site.
‘We have a duty of care to locate the bombs, we need to render these devices safe once and for all,’ he said.
‘Bombs of this age – 80-years plus – are spontaneously detonating increasingly.
‘We must address the problem before it addresses us.’
Mr Hardy said the meeting with Mr Remfrey was ‘very constructive and positive’, adding that he was now awaiting a file of evidence from the former army demolition specialist.
‘We now better understand Mr Remfrey’s position, and will be able to reflect that to the Ministry of Defence.
‘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.’
He added that, while he and Bailiwick Law Enforcement understood the risks Mr Remfrey had raised, there had been nothing in recent years to specifically increase any risk that may exist.
‘If that changes, or the advice changes in light of the information shared today, the responsible authorities will always step up to ensure public safety,’ he said.
