Rushall dad finds reservoir bomb

A FAMILY stroll around a country park exploded into life after a Rushall father-of-two discovered what was believed to be Second World War bomb in a reservoir bed.

Neil Healy was walking his dog around Chasewater Reservoir with his children Niamh, aged 14 and Brogan, 12, when he stumbled across the 'bomb' in the reservoir bed.

"I nearly stepped on it," said the 44-year-old. "I thought straight away it was likely to be a bomb from the Second World War era.

"We'd been to a museum in Cambridge the previous weekend and saw plenty of mortar rounds like this."

The object had become visible due to Chasewater Reservoir currently being emptied of water in preparation for works due to take place later this year.

Mr Healy, of Burton Avenue, swiftly moved his children away from the scene before dialling '999'.

He explained: "I'm no bomb expert and I didn't want to take any risks, but I wasn't quite sure which of the emergency services to ask for!"

An Army specialist disposal unit from Nottinghamshire arrived at the scene before taking away the heavily decayed bomb. Upon further observation, the 'bomb' was in fact a dummy mortar, but it was inert.

Army officials suspect it would have been used for practice firing over the reservoir.

Councillor Val Richards, deputy leader of Lichfield District Council and Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, said: "The device was found on a newly exposed area on the dam wall.

"It was taken away by a specialist disposal unit. They later confirmed it was in fact an inert mortar round

"As the water in the reservoir lowers, more areas of muddy reservoir bed will be exposed. We would like to remind all visitors to the park to make sure they keep their dogs and children away from the muddy areas when visiting the park, as they could be dangerous, and may be far deeper than they appear.

"We have put signs and information boards up around Chasewater Country Park to encourage all visitors to the park to take care near the exposed reservoir bed, and not to walk on it under any circumstances."