The Romans threaten Tesco's Whitchurch plans

Hidden Roman ruins could halt Tesco's plans for a new out-of-town supermarket in Whitchurch, it emerged today, following an archaeological study.

Experts believe there could be the remains of a Roman road and cremation cemetery on or near the Edgeley Park site where the retail giant wants to build a supermarket.

A report to planners at Shropshire Council warns there could be important underground remains along the B5395 Prees Road, which runs alongside part of the development site.

The report, produced by Shropshire Council's archaeology team, said: "The B5395 Prees Road on the western boundary of the site is likely to follow the line of the Roman road from the Roman town at Wroxeter to the fort and settlement at Whitchurch.

"Previous archaeological discoveries in the town indicate that a Roman cremation cemetery existed alongside the road, south-east of the fort and settlement.

"The full extent of the cemetery remains unknown but is currently thought to occupy an area immediately north-west of the proposed development site, beyond the former Whitchurch to Oswestry railway line.

"It is possible, however, that archaeological remains relating to both the Roman road and the cemetery extend into the development site."

The report recommends an "archaeological evaluation" be carried out at the site before the planning application is determined.