Broseley human remains are moved

The remains of four people, found during building work, have been removed from the site of a former chapel in Shropshire, it was today revealed.

Work was halted on the Birchmeadow Centre in Broseley after the discovery was made last month.

The human remains have now been taken away and have been examined by archaeologists in Ludlow.

Hugh Hannaford, community archaeologist at the archaeology service in Shropshire, said: "The remains of four burials were removed - these were not all complete, as one had been disturbed when a burial vault was built in the 19th century.

"The remains will be returned to Broseley Town Council who will make arrangements for their reburial. An archaeological report will be prepared shortly for Broseley Town Council."

The bones, which were believed to be up to 200 years old, were found in a drainage trench outside the building, which is now used by the town council.

Work has since restarted on the £48,000 extension but workers are waiting for a pump to finish the scheme.

Town mayor Carol Cooper said the bones had been taken away to the Ludlow Resource Centre to be analysed. She said no more remains had been found.

Councillor Cooper said: "When they are returned they will be buried with respect."

She said the town council would be discussing the remains and the report at its next meeting on Tuesday.

Resident Melinda Evans said she had been told it was hoped the remains would be reburied at the Old Baptist Chapel at Chapel Lane, in Broseley.

She said: "I think it would be nice if Broseley Town Council would pay for a small plaque to be placed by these remains to acknowledge the fact they came from the Birch Meadow Baptist Chapel, even though they are not identified.

"A lot of people have shown an interest. To them it isn't just a lot of fuss over some old bones, it's recognising the fact the people laid to rest at the Birch Meadow Chapel played a part in Broseley's history."

By Lisa Rowley