Digging of the 55 trenches to evaluate archaeology at Straitgate Farm started today. A detailed method statement had previously been agreed between SLR Consulting - who are overseeing the project - and DCC, stating exactly how these trenches should be dug, evaluated and recorded. It clearly states that "trench spoil will be scanned with a metal detector" - as any member of the general public would expect for a site "within a rich historic landscape" - and yet, unbelievably, the archaeological contractors employed by SLR had not intended to do so.
We hope that this has now been remedied; however, it does not inspire confidence. How many other procedures are not being followed correctly? Why does it take members of the public to monitor and correct shortcomings in Aggregate Industries' pre-planning investigations?
