Unexploded Shell Found Near Former Range on Somerset Beach
The Coastguard was called to an area on Lilstock Beach in Somerset after a walker found an unexploded shell washed up. The shell was only visible at low tide, allowing just enough time for an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to be consulted. The plan is for the EOD team to attend at the next low tide and, if necessary, carry out a controlled explosion.
Historically, there have been numerous military training ranges in the Severn Estuary and Bristol Channel and in World War Two there was a dedicated bombing range in Bridgwater Bay, just off Lilstock. As such, it is fairly common that Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) is found on the areas beaches, either having been washed up, or uncovered during storm conditions.
