An archaeological dig is taking place in the planned site of a supermarket car park after it was found it could be part of an ancient settlement.
Historians moved into Neston, Cheshire, after investigations revealed it may be part of a 1,000-year-old settlement.
Fragments of memorial stones from the parish church suggest that there has been a settlement there for at least 1,000 years.
The work is being carried out to establish whether remains are present.
An examination of early maps and other documentary evidence indicate that the western part of the car park, behind the High Street, lay within the original settlement area.
This information will be used in connection with the planning application that has been submitted for a major development within the present car park.
It will establish whether more extensive archaeological work would be needed, if planning permission was granted.
Investigation of other local sites suggest that they could find might pottery, animal bones, and other material discarded by Neston's previous inhabitants.
Jane Williamson from Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council said: "The historical heritage of the town and indeed the Borough of Ellesmere Port and Neston are taken very seriously and any findings of importance will be communicated to the public."
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