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Explosions to clear way for supermarket

By Richard Wright

Thursday, April 19, 2012

CONTROLLED explosions will take place next month to destroy the Second World War mines that have delayed the building of a new supermarket.

The explosions will pave the way for the new Aldi supermarket on part of BAE Systems’ Cowes site.

Two remaining pipe mines, laid to prevent an airfield on the site from falling into German hands during the war, will be blown-up by specialists at 6am on Saturday May 19 and at 6am the following day.

"Most were removed after it ceased to be RAF Somerton but these two mines were missed," said a BAE spokesman.

"They were quite small mines designed to blow holes in the runway to prevent German aircraft landing.

"They are believed to no longer contain 'live’ explosives but we have to take precautions to ensure public safety."

On both days, between midnight and 8am, there will be a 200 metre exclusion zone at the corner of the BAE Systems site, Somerton roundabout junction of Three Gates Road, Saunders Drive and the A3020 Newport Road.

BAE said it had informed local businesses and chose a weekend to keep disruption to a minimum. Disposal experts previously carried out test explosions.

• Scroll down to see map of the exclusion zone