Larkhall Academy and leisure centre evacuated after possible historic ordnance found nearby
Bomb disposal experts examined the item on Broomhill Road and police later confirmed it posed no risk to the public. No pupils were in school because of an in-service day.
Larkhall Leisure Centre, which was evacuated as a precaution on Monday. · Photograph: wrobison (CC BY-SA 2.0)
A school and leisure centre in Larkhall were evacuated on Monday after a possible piece of historic ordnance was found nearby.
Bomb disposal experts were sent to the scene after the item was discovered on Broomhill Road, close to Larkhall Academy and Larkhall Leisure Centre, at around 9.05am.
A cordon was set up on Broomhill Road and Broomhill Drive, and police urged people to avoid the area.
No risk to the public
The roads have since reopened. On Monday afternoon, police confirmed the item was of no risk to the public.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said Explosive Ordnance Disposal had examined the potential ordnance item found near premises in Broomhill Road, and that the object had been identified and was of no risk to the public.
School closed for the day
No pupils were at Larkhall Academy because of an in-service day, but staff were sent home and the site was closed for the rest of the day. Staff at the leisure centre were also evacuated as a precaution.
A local councillor has since sought to reassure residents following the scare.
Historic ordnance
Unexploded wartime munitions and other historic ordnance are still occasionally discovered across Scotland, often during building work or after erosion. Police advise anyone who finds a suspicious item not to touch or move it, to keep others away and to call 999.