Chasewater. Pic: Manic Preachings
Chasewater. Pic: Manic Preachings

Visitors to Chasewater are being reminded to stay away from the reservoir’s bed following the recent discovery of two Second World War bombs.

The dam at Chasewater is currently being drained to allow for essential safety improvements and has made the bed accessible to members of the public.

But as water levels have dropped and exposed areas of the reservoir, police have received three separate calls reporting suspect explosive devices in the past fortnight.

One of these proved to be an overturned kayak, but the other two were inert bombs believed to have been disposed in Chasewater during the Second World War. They were both removed from the site by army bomb disposal experts.

Inspector Dave Challinor, from Burntwood police, said:

“We’d urge people visiting Chasewater to stick to marked footpaths and not allow dogs or children to wander onto the reservoir bed.

“Although there’s no suggestion that there are live explosives in Chasewater, public safety is always our top priority. When a device is found, as a matter of course, we will cordon off the surrounding area prior to its safe removal.

“If you think you see something suspicious, please don’t hesitate to ring Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 4455.”

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