Human remains are to be removed from a former chapel in Shropshire after they were found during work to build an extension.

An archaeologist is due to oversee the work at the former Birchmeadow Baptist Chapel, in Broseley, in case any other remains are unearthed. The discovery was made in a drainage trench outside the building, which is now used by Broseley Town Council for its meetings.

The work to extend the building has now been put on hold until the remains are removed.

“It started life as a chapel, then it became a cinema, then a nightclub and then it was purchased by the town council as a community centre.

“This find is obviously the legacy of the time when it was a chapel.”

She said she had mixed feelings over the find and added: “It’s very sad I think to have a find like this.

“We have to be sensitive to the fact that the remains do need to be treated with great respect and that we are keen to ensure we follow the correct process and deal with the find accordingly so we have taken advice and that is what we are doing.”

She said: “An archaeologist is coming to see the last bit of the dig. If there are no more finds it should be straightforward. If we find anything else we have to go through the proper procedure.”

The building has not been used as a church since the turn of the last century.

Broseley Mayor Councillor Carol Cooper said the discovery was made about a week ago and Shropshire Council officials were due at the site this week to arrange the removal of the remains, which were believed to be a couple of hundred years old.

Work is currently under way on a £48,000 extension to the centre to provide more facilities, such as new toilets and changing rooms.

Shropshire Council spokesman Simon Alton said: “We are aware of the discovery and are maintaining a watching brief on the site.”

By Lisa Rowley