BOMB squad experts have declared that what was thought to be an unexploded World War II incendiary bomb is actually a gas canister.
It was uncovered by Berkswell Windmill in Balsall Common this morning, Friday, October 9.
Workmen digging by an old milking shed by the windmill at around 8.30am found the canister as they were clearing away soil with a spade.
Jeanette McGarry, the guardian of the windmill said: “One man recognised what he thought was a bomb from the Second World War.
“I contacted a friend of mine, a man in his 80s, and he came along and said it was a bomb.
“I immediately called the police.”
Two officers from West Midlands Police were there within minutes and took photographs of the device to send to the Ministry of Defence who confirmed it as a bomb at the time.
“But then the bomb disposal experts came out and said it wasn’t a bomb,” said Jeanette who originally feared the windmill might have to be evacuated.
“Although the builder and my neighbour were convinced it was, as was the sniffer dog.
“The thing is they just left it there too for me to dispose of myself.”
The new Local Plan for Solihull contains plan to build 120 new homes in Windmill Lane by the historic site, regarded as one of the finest working examples of a windmill in the country.
