**Bridgend Town Centre Twice Evacuated Following Unexploded Devices Discovery**
Residents and businesses in Bridgend town centre experienced considerable disruption this week after the unexpected discovery of two unexploded devices led to two separate evacuations. Contractors carrying out work on the new college campus encountered the ordnance during construction activities, prompting an immediate response from local authorities and emergency services.
The incidents unfolded on 30 July, when police enforced cordons in the area near Cheapside. Brackla Street, stretching from the Castle Bingo to the Nolton Street junction, was closed to ensure public safety. Nearby businesses, including major retailers such as Aldi and Asda, as well as Brackla House, were also evacuated as a precautionary measure. The swift response aimed to minimise risk to both those working at the site and the general public in the bustling town centre.
According to a spokesperson for Bridgend County Borough Council, the devices were uncovered by construction teams engaged in the multi-million-pound redevelopment of Bridgend College’s new campus. Workers promptly suspended operations and notified the relevant authorities, ensuring that safety protocols were followed to the letter. South Wales Police subsequently took control, instigating road closures and overseeing the evacuation procedures.
Further details provided by the council revealed a sequence of tense events on the site. The first ordnance was safely removed by the Ministry of Defence, enabling construction activities to briefly resume. However, shortly after work recommenced, a second piece of unexploded ordnance came to light. Once again, emergency measures were swiftly re-implemented until the additional device could also be safely extracted from the area.
The authorities have now commissioned a comprehensive survey of the site in a bid to uncover any further potential hazards that may be hidden underground. Despite these unexpected challenges, officials are optimistic that the closely watched college construction project will continue as scheduled, noting the importance of maintaining momentum on such a significant local development.
In a statement following the incidents, a Bridgend Council representative expressed gratitude to the town’s residents, shopkeepers, property owners and shoppers. “All efforts were made to keep inconvenience to a minimum, and we are grateful to local residents, businesses, property owners and shoppers for their patience and understanding while the situation was resolved,” the spokesperson commented.
Notably, this is not the first time that unexploded ordnance has surfaced in this part of Bridgend. During construction work on the Asda supermarket, which is situated close to the current site, approximately 80 shells were discovered in 2008. Historical records indicate that a munitions factory, operative during the Second World War, was based in the area, which may explain the repeated discoveries of hazardous remnants from past military manufacturing.
Such incidents serve as a reminder of the region’s rich—and sometimes hazardous—industrial history. While the presence of unexploded ordnance is unnerving, authorities’ prompt actions and the cooperation of the public have, so far, prevented any injuries or serious incidents from arising.
Work on the expansive £70 million Bridgend College campus, part of the area’s ambitious regeneration plans, is expected to continue without significant long-term delays, pending completion of the safety survey. Local leaders remain committed to ensuring the site is thoroughly checked and made safe before construction works resume in full.
As the town awaits further updates from the council and emergency services, the recent evacuations have sparked renewed conversation about the legacy of wartime industries in Bridgend and the importance of vigilance when undertaking major building projects in historically significant locations.