Harwich News

Mistley: Fears as children break into bunker

By Caroline Tilley

1:00pm Friday 30th July 2010

CHILDREN as young as 11 are putting themselves at serious risk of injury by breaking into a famous Cold War bunker.

Residents are calling for a new barrier to be put up at the historical landmark in Mistley to stop the youngsters gaining access to the site and accidentally harming themselves.

Holes have been found in the current fence that surrounds the secret bunker as well as broken down doors.

Bernie Flynn, of Stour View Close, said: “It’s an absolute mess.

“I drive down to work past the site everyday and I see kids as young as 11 are breaking into it at all times of day.

“The site is incredibly dangerous for anyone going in there.

“I can see someone getting seriously injured before long if some action isn’t taken.”

He added: “The problem is you just don’t know what’s inside the bunker and it goes right underground.

“Absolutely anything could happen to a child who goes inside and no one would know about it.

“A large fence needs to be put up so the children can’t get in there.”

PC Mick Deba, of Mistley Police, said officers had previously been alerted to young people at the site.

“It is a dangerous place to play around in and we'd advise all residents to steer clear,” he said.

“If you see any groups of youths in that area, please do contact us so that we can move them away."

Now Tendring Council had been forced to step in after it also received reports of kids clambering onto the Furze Hill site.

Nigel Brown, Tendring Council’s communications manager, said the council first became aware of this issue when it was contacted by Mistley Parish Council.

“We were told the fence had been vandalised and an officer inspected the site the same day,” he said.

“As a result of that we contacted the owners, Reliant Construction Company of London.

“Although the gates were securely padlocked, youngsters were getting into the site through the fence and we were also worried that they were getting into outbuildings.”

Mr Brown said the company was not aware of the situation but once it had been brought to their attention they got a contractor in to carry out repairs to keep the youngsters out.

“We have now inspected again and due to the repairs being undertaken it will not be necessary for the council to take any formal action under the dangerous structure legislation,” he added.

Mistley Parish Council is set to meet with developers of the site in August to discuss the latest plans to build around 30 homes on the land.

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