Plymouth residents 'so happy' after homes returned to normal

Thousands of residents were evacuated

The surroundings of people's properties in Plymouth following the discovery of an unexploded bomb have been cleared, the council has confirmed.

Work to repair the boundary walls and back gardens for homes in Keyham, following the bomb incident earlier this year, has been completed. The unexploded Second World War bomb was discovered in Plymouth in February and moved to the sea.

Thousands of people were evacuated from their homes at the time after the discovery of the device. The bomb was transported through Royal Navy Ave, Saltash Rd, Albert Rd, Park Ave and Ferry Rd. All roads along the route amd leading to the route were closed until the device was safely removed.

As part of the ongoing support Plymouth City Council has given residents most impacted by the Keyham bomb incident in February, the council called on the support of the local construction industry to repair the damage left behind by the Army.

Building Plymouth is an award winning, Council-led partnership with the construction industry. With nearly 70 member organisations, they engage with clients, contractors, consultants and the supply chain and have delivered a number of successful community initiatives to help improve the quality of life in the city.

As a 'gesture of goodwill,' Building Plymouth arranged for local contractors, consultants and suppliers to work together to help repair the damage that was left in the gardens of three homes. Over recent months, eighteen local companies volunteered their time, materials and equipment equivalent value to £40,000 in-kind to support residents in Keyham who’s properties were damaged by the army during the efforts to remove the unexploded bomb.

The first phase of the repair works involved repairing the boundary line at the rear of the properties – rebuilding the walls, erecting fencing and installing new back gates in order to make the area fully secure. The second phase of the works was to restore two gardens located either side of where the bomb was safely removed. This included creating new garden designs, laying the new decking, installing steps and fencing, reinstating destroyed masonry, as well as creating a stylish pergola.

Councillor Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “I have been overwhelmed by the kindness of our construction industry. They have stepped in and helped these homeowners and their work has truly been outstanding. The gardens have not only been restored, but the craftmanship and skills shown have been second to none.

“Whilst it is not the council’s role to pay for repairs to private properties following an emergency, together with Building Plymouth we have done everything we can to support the homeowners in Keyham. I would like to thank all the construction companies who have given their time, materials, equipment, collectively providing £40,000 in-kind support. You are a credit to Plymouth.”

One of the homeowners, Martyn Hammond, said: “The quality of work is outstanding! It didn’t feel like too much trouble and they listened to what I had previously and went over and above to reinstate my garden. I feel so happy to have my garden back again, considering back in February when this area was like a big sack of sand and now, I’m getting my plants restocked and am back in my happy place to sit and chill again. Thank you so much to everyone who has helped to make this happen.”

Resident Lee Elliott added: “We can’t express our gratitude enough to the skilled workforce who have been here to help us – the quality of work is top quality, the carpentry is out of this world, everything has gone to regulation with no corners cut. It was a kind freebie but everyone has completely gone above and beyond! Thank you to everyone involved particularly Obedair Construction who stepped in to help restore our garden and exceeded our expectation and the Award Group for doing our boundary fencing and back gate installation to give back our privacy. We have finally got our little sanctuary back.”

Steve Warren-Brown, managing director from YGS Landscapes who acted as overall managing contractor on the garden projects, said: “Working brilliantly together as a team of volunteers through the Building Plymouth partnership has delivered a positive legacy after such a traumatic experience for three affected residents. As a local landscaping contractor, we knew we should play our part in helping to recover the Keyham gardens and it has been amazing to see so many construction friends stepping up to help. Thank you to everyone involved, this is another fantastic team effort coordinated through Emma Hewitt’s inspiring leadership of our Building Plymouth partnership.”

Emma Hewitt, building Plymouth lead for Plymouth City Council, said: “It has been a real privilege to get to know the residents through leading this garden recovery project and am delighted that we have exceeded their expectations. We couldn’t have made this happen without the generosity of the local construction industry. I continue to be so proud of what we achieve together through Building Plymouth, a huge thank you to everyone involved.”

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