Graves unearthed during town road improvements

Two graves containing human remains have been uncovered during the final phase of road improvement works.

Dorset Council said the discovery was made at Fairfield Road in Dorchester on 2 November as contractors excavated the pedestrianised section of the road.

It was recorded by an archaeologist who was on site due to previously identified burials and other archaeological remains in this area.

The local authority said the exposed remains had been "carefully covered and protected, and work has been allowed to continue around them following archaeological advice".

The age of the newly discovered burials has not yet been confirmed.

Lib Dem Jack Jeanes, the council's cabinet member for place services, said the graves "have been treated carefully and respectfully".

"The graves have been recorded and protected, and we are following professional archaeological advice while the improvements continue."

Steve Wallis, senior archaeologist at the council, said the discovery "was not unexpected" as previous archaeological work had identified burials in that part of Fairfield Road.

"We are reviewing the evidence to understand more about the burials, including their likely date," he said.

"The information gathered will also be added to the Dorset Historic Environment Record."

The improvement work aims to create "a greener and more welcoming route", with trees, planting, seating and cycle parking added between Dorchester South and West railway stations, Fairfield Road car park, Brewery Square and the town centre.

New planting beds and drainage features are also being installed to help tackle long-standing surface-water problems.

The scheme follows the pedestrianisation of the eastern end of Fairfield Road in 2024 and Dorset Council has worked with the town council and Dorchester Market.

Great Western Railway has also funded the scheme.