Workmen discovered a mortar shell while carrying out work on a canal in Romiley.
Police were called to the Peak Forest Canal Towpath, behind Peak Bank, at 4.24pm on Wednesday, following the discovery of the device.
It was established that there were no residential properties within 100 metres and an evacuation was not deemed necessary.
British Transport Police were also informed due to the proximity with the railway.
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The device, described by police as a 'bomb mortar shell' was assessed by the Army and was determined not to be viable.
Officers were later stood down.
