An archaeological dig on the proposed site of Harpenden’s new secondary school has uncovered significant historical remains.

The dig is taking place on a field near Batford, which is intended as the site for a new secondary school. The findings are believed to date as far back as the Bronze Age.

A Herts county council spokesman said: “An archaeological evaluation is currently ongoing in a field near Batford in advance of a planning application being submitted for a proposed development.

“This is a normal part of the pre-planning application process that was undertaken due to the potential for finding buried archaeological remains within such a large development area.

“So far the evaluation has discovered archaeological features potentially dating from the Bronze Age, Iron Age and Anglo-Saxon periods.

“This process will take time and, as the work is still ongoing and a final report on the findings has not been produced, we are as yet uncertain as to the significance of these remains.

“St Albans City & District Council is aware of the work and all necessary permissions are in place.”