RESIDENTS will be able to delve into Bromsgrove’s history after a public archaeological dig was started by Bromsgrove District Council’s civic head.

Councillor Helen Jones opened the ‘Time Team’ style inspection pit beneath the former Market Street car park, which will be open to the public and staffed by archaeologists.

Coun Jones said: “I’m delighted to declare this community dig open. I wonder what people will find down here over the next couple of weeks? Anyone with any interest in local history is bound to enjoy coming and having a look at what’s going on here.

“You can get as involved as you like - whether you want to get stuck in and do some actual archaeology yourself, or simply have a look at the on-site exhibition, there is something for everyone.”

The dig is part of Bromsgrove’s Heritage Lottery-funded Townscape Heritage Initiative and aims to engage people of all ages in protecting and improving the town’s heritage.

Victoria Bryant, manager of Worcestershire County Council's Worcestershire Archive & Archaeology Service, which is conducting the dig, added: "Starting a new dig is such an exciting moment as we never know what will be uncovered. Whatever we find will add to our knowledge of Bromsgrove's history and it's a privilege to be taking part in such an important project."

It will be open every day from 10am-4pm from July 9-19. On July 14 the site will be open 1-4pm, and closed on July 15.

Once the dig has started an exhibition of retrieved artefacts will take place in Bromsgrove, to include information on the local area together with some insights into how the archaeologists go about their work.

Ahead of the event, volunteer teams for the dig site and exhibition were recruited, around 500 schoolchildren were booked in for visits and archaeological town tours have been scheduled for 1pm, 3pm and 5.45pm on Thursday, July 11 and 18, starting at the dig site.

For more information about the dig or ongoing heritage work, contact the council’s Townscape Heritage Initiative project officer David Thomas on d.thomas@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk or 01527 881343. Follow on Twitter #digbromsgrove.