Experts hunt for WWII explosives

Last Friday (July 5) BACTEC (Battle Area Clearance, Training, Equipment and Consultancy) vehicles were spotted on the construction site at Adams Farm in Crowhurst by Observer photographer Steve Hunnisett.

BACTEC specialises in bomb disposal and landmine clearance all over the World.

An East Sussex County Council spokesperson confirmed that the company had been asked to carry out a survey on the site in Crowhurst in a bid to establish if there were any World War Two munitions buried in the ground.

But the authority stressed that the survey was just a ‘precautionary measure’.

It added that ‘no finds of significance’ have been discovered so far.

An East Sussex County Council spokesperson said: “The South Coast was subject to substantial bombing during World War II and in some areas munitions remain in the ground.

“Because of this, a risk assessment of the site has been carried out and some areas have been identified as low to medium risk.

“The Hochtief/Taylor Woodrow joint venture has commissioned BACTEC International Limited to carry out a survey of land ahead of ground improvement work for the Bexhill to Hastings Link Road.

“This is a precautionary measure and there have been no finds of significance so far.”

The surveys are expected to continue on the site in Crowhurst.