Archaeologists have begun excavating a quarry near Wrexham (North Wales) after evidence of a Neolithic settlement was uncovered. The exciting discovery was made at Tarmac's Borras Quarry, off Holt Road, near Wrexham and archaeologists have begun to uncover the remains of the settlement, believed to be about 4,000 years old. The archaeologists noticed dark areas resembling cooking pits appearing as topsoil and subsoil was being removed in preparation for sand and gravel extraction. Tarmac has now suspended soil removal in the area of the discovery whilst archaeologists from Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT) excavate the remains.
     Project manager Nigel Jones of CPAT, said: "This is an important discovery as we currently have very little evidence of Neolithic settlement in this part of Wales." A team of archaeologists started excavating the site and although at present the full extent of the remains is not known, the excavation is likely to continue for several weeks. Mr Jones added: "We are hoping to find more evidence of occupation, possibly including the remains of timber houses." The findings will be fully recorded and sent for radiocarbon dating and environmental assessment.
     Tarmac's estates and geology manager Richard Hulse said: "It appears that these are cooking pits typically used to heat water in order to prepare food. As a result we have ceased topsoil removal in the immediate vicinity in order to retrieve any further artefacts which may be present."

Source: Wrexham Leader (18 June 2008), BBC News (25 June 2008)