Hatfield chalk mines bombshell!
TESTS to identify the risk of potential chalk mines under Hatfield could be hampered – by an unexploded BOMB. The Welwyn & Hatfield Times reported last week how the borough council was set to pump nearly quarter-of-a-million pounds into extensive investig
TESTS to identify the risk of potential chalk mines under Hatfield could be hampered - by an unexploded BOMB.
The Welwyn & Hatfield Times reported last week how the borough council was set to pump nearly quarter-of-a-million pounds into extensive investigations at three areas still blighted.
However, within hours of our paper hitting the newsstands, we received a call from Hatfield resident Tony Halsey.
He revealed a shell dropped during World War Two was lying untouched in the area underneath Roe Green Dell.
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"The bomb was dropped in the grounds of a farmhouse that used to be there," said Mr Halsey, who was a young lad growing up at the time.
"They tried to dig it out, either towards the end of the war or just after, but every time they tried it just sunk further in, where the chalk is."
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He added: "That area has never been built on."
When contacted by the WHT, a council spokeswoman said they had no idea about the site's war-time secret.
She said: "The council was unaware of the unexploded World War Two bomb, which possibly exists on site at Roe Green Dell.
"Provisions will be made to investigate this further and the appropriate action taken as required, ensuring any device is made safe and that no risk is posed to local residents."
Cabinet members, at their meeting last Tuesday, approved the �235,000 spend from the council's emergency fund for further tests.
They are set to be carried out by a team of specialist engineers as soon as possible.
