Residents' fears as homes are left empty

More than 3,200 people have been evaculated from their homes due to the discovery of a bomb in Keyham. Reporters William Telford and Carl Eve spoke to some of those seeking refuge at the Life Centre

PLYMOUTH Life Centre opened at 7 am yesterday as a help centre for evacuated residents who will be able to get help and support, as well as use the creche, a room for children and teens, and an area for pets.

One man, Ian Brown, said he had no idea where he, his wife Kit and dog Hunter would be staying overnight but was seeking help and advice from the council.

Paul Nicholson, his wife Sophie, and their two-year-old son, Luca, were evacuated from their home on the border of the original cordon, earlier this week. They visited Plymouth Life Centre, where Luca is enjoying playing in the creche.

The couple said everything at the centre was "really well organised" and that staff, volunteers and Plymouth City Council have all been very helpful.

"When we arrived this morning, there were people who were ready to welcome us," Paul said.

"Everyone is very friendly and they showed us around and got snacks for Luca within five minutes of us being here. We've been the only ones in the creche so far but the members of staff have been absolutely brilliant." When police knocked on their door earlier this week to tell them they needed to evacuate, the couple had nowhere to go. Paul said his wife's family lives up north and his family didn't have any space to accommodate them.

Whilst some of their friends had kindly offered to let them sleep on their floor on a blow-up mattress, Paul said it wouldn't have been practical to do so with a toddler.

So instead, they ended up travelling to the China Fleet Country Club in Saltash to pay for an apartment for the night.