Multiple WWII mortar shells were uncovered during council works on Risley Moss, a large area of peat bog. The parkland was closed to the public whilst the items were dealt with.

Mortar storage tubes were also discovered on the site. A Royal Logistics Corps’ bomb disposal team attended the scene and removed the devices. As a result, the park was later re-opened to the public.

Risley
A wwii british mortar bomb similar to those found.

Why is this location UXO contaminated?

The peat bog site is located adjacent to a former Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) which manufactured millions of munitions during WWII. ROF Risley was also known as Filling Factory No.6. Explosives were received in bulk by rail from different ROFs where they were manufactured. Risley specialised in filling the various casings with explosives and fuses to produce finished munitions.

The factory also had proofing ranges for munitions testing and disposal grounds for the destruction of waste and defective ammunition. It is understood that the burning grounds occupied part of Risley Moss.

During the 1990s, the British army performed UXO surveys across part of Risley Moss County Park. This resulted in the recovery of thousands of items of (mostly expended) UXO.

Risley
The blast resistant earth-bunds that protected the rofs many explosives buildings.

Mitigating UXO risks on your land

The UK is home to thousands of tonnes of unexploded ordnance, from practice shells to wartime bombs. Brimstone offers a range of UXO risk mitigation services to support your project, including assessment, surveys, investigations and disposals.

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