Dig at site of new health campus

Archaeologists are due to move onto the proposed site of a multi-million pound health campus in Cumbria.

A survey team will be checking there is nothing of historical importance on the land on Isle Road, Cockermouth - next to the town's existing community unit.

The scheme will see a combined community hospital and GP surgeries.

The dig aims to rule out any unrecorded remains as the site is near some areas of historical interest, including the Cockermouth Castle deer park.

NHS Cumbria has commissioned the dig, which is due to begin on Monday, before seeking planning permission for the new health campus later this year.

As part of the archaeological survey, up to nine trenches will be excavated.