A BOMB squad has been called after suspected explosives were unearthed during work on a new solar farm.
Workers were digging trenches in a field behind the Great Tythe Barn, Tetbury, when they made the discovery shortly after beginning work.
Within the first 10ft of the trench, around four or five suspected explosives were uncovered, with workers believing there could be more further into the ground.
Work was immediately halted and emergency services were contacted.
A worker at the site said: “I called my manager and then after speaking to my manager, we phoned 101 and then I couldn’t get through, so I just phoned 999.
“They said to clear the area and to make sure nobody goes there.
“We’re just waiting for the police to arrive, we’re just waiting for the bomb squad to arrive now.”
Police established a 200-metre exclusion zone around the discovery, which included the Great Tythe Barn.
Around 12 people who had been working inside the venue were asked to leave, while guests from a wedding held the previous day were also evacuated as they prepared to depart.
The worker said the discovery had come as “quite a shock”.
Four people had been working at the site where the suspected explosives were discovered.
Nearby path Monarch’s Way, which runs alongside the area, was also affected by the cordon, with walkers being turned away.
The solar farm is being constructed in a field behind the Great Tythe Barn and is intended to be connected to the venue once completed.
Work on the project has now stopped while the site is dealt with.
The venue was fortunate to have made the discovery during a relatively quiet period, with its next event not scheduled until the weekend.
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