Bridgend Town Centre Plunged into Chaos After Two Unexploded Ordnance Discoveries
Bridgend town centre faced significant disruption on Wednesday after police were forced to evacuate businesses and cordon off roads – not once, but twice – following the discovery of two separate unexploded devices. The incident, which unfolded over several hours, brought a large section of the busy town to a standstill and left many residents feeling unsettled.
The sequence of events began just before 9am, when South Wales Police received a report about a suspicious ordnance device found in Cheapside, Bridgend. As a precaution, officers quickly closed Brackla Street from Castle Bingo down to Nolton Street, swiftly evacuating nearby premises. Among those affected were retail giants Aldi and Asda, alongside Energie Fitness, Brackla Street shopping centre, and a local building site.
During the initial phase of the emergency, locals recounted scenes of confusion as shops and businesses were told to close their doors and evacuate staff and customers alike. Staff members, such as an employee at the Aldi store, found themselves unable to retrieve personal belongings or even their car keys as they were abruptly ushered out. “No one can get their belongings or keys to leave the area,” said one relative of a shop worker, echoing the sentiment felt by many as police presence increased.
Amidst concerns, police assured the public that the action was solely a precautionary measure. An official statement released later in the morning confirmed that the first device had been safely removed. The cordons were lifted and life began to return to normal as Brackla Street reopened, allowing businesses such as Asda to resume trading. Representatives from Asda expressed their relief and gratitude to the community, thanking customers for their understanding during the unexpected closure.
However, any sense of normality was short-lived. Less than an hour after the initial clearance, authorities received another alarming report—this time of a second unexploded ordnance device, also located at a building site in Cheapside. Without delay, South Wales Police reinstated the full cordon along Brackla Street and repeated their earlier evacuation of the same premises. In a message to gym members, Energie Fitness confirmed they too would need to close again due to “an ongoing incident”.
Officers at the scene maintained a visible and active role, managing the exclusion zones and keep the public informed wherever possible. Residents and business owners were commended by police for their understanding under trying circumstances, as speculation and rumours circulated throughout the town.
After several more tense hours, the second device was also successfully removed with the help of ordnance experts. By 1.30pm, police were able to confirm that all cordons had been lifted and the area was again safe for the public to access. In a public statement, South Wales Police expressed appreciation for the community’s patience and cooperation throughout both incidents. “We would like to thank the public for their patience and co-operation whilst we dealt with the two incidents from this morning.”
Local businesses and shoppers faced considerable anxiety, but despite the disruption, there were no reported injuries and the authorities were praised for their swift and decisive response. Questions remain over the source and nature of the ordnance, with the police investigation expected to continue in the coming days.
Community leaders are now urging anyone with information related to the devices to come forward, while reinforcing the message that public safety remains the highest priority. As Bridgend returns to its usual rhythm, the day’s drama acts as a reminder of the unpredictable challenges that local communities can face with little warning.
Residents seeking more information are advised to follow updates from South Wales Police and local authorities as more details emerge. The events in Bridgend highlight the importance of vigilance, prompt communication, and a united community response in the face of potential danger.