All trains in Falmouth will be cancelled from 9am today (Wednesday, September 23) as a suspected World War 2 missile is expected to be moved. A suspected World War 2 American missile was found off Pendennis Headland in Falmouth on Monday (September 21), prompting a major multi-agency response.
A 300m cordon is currently in place, but it is expected to be extended to 755m to allow for the safe removal of the device. Great Western Railway (GWR) said the last train from Truro to Falmouth Docks will leave at 8.15am, and no service will leave the docks after 8.45am. Trains will continue to run between Truro and Falmouth Town, but there will be no replacement road transport or local bus route because of the nature of the incident.
National Rail said: "A wartime bomb near the railway between Falmouth Town and Falmouth Docks means that all lines will be closed from approximately 09:00. As a result, from 09:00, trains will not be able run between these stations and will be revised to run between Truro and Falmouth Town only."
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GWR added that train services between the two Falmouth stations will return "as soon as the device has been safely removed and the cordon lifted." Passengers are warned of disruption throughout the day, though GWR said this may change if the cordon remains in place longer than planned.
A major evacuation of hundreds of homes is expected. Police confirmed this morning that 339 homes will be asked to evacuate to allow the missile to be moved safely. Teams will visit affected properties to advise residents on what to do and provide information on where they can go. To see a full list of affected properties, see the list here.
In an update yesterday afternoon, a 1,400m cordon was planned, but this has since been revised following specialist advice and will now cover 755m. Cornwall Council said: "Cornwall Council is supporting a multi-agency response after an unexploded Second World War device was discovered off Pendennis Headland in Falmouth. Police and emergency-service partners are managing the incident and are working to establish a 755-metre safety cordon on Wednesday, September 23."
Supt Ian Thompson from Devon and Cornwall Police said: “We don't know how many people will be evacuated. We expect some residents to go to work and go about their daily lives and come back later. But be prepared to have to come to a meeting point like All Saints Parish Church."
Devon and Cornwall Police has urged the public not to approach or enter any restricted zones, and asked residents to avoid the area until further notice.
Falmouth Trains Cancelled for WWII Missile Move