DUDLEY'S hidden medieval past is being unearthed as part of a fact-finding archaeological dig ahead of a proposed new £2.5 million car park.

Archaeologists have been drafted in to work on part of Tower Street, which had been occupied for hundreds of years, before the 225-space car park is built.

Two trenches have already been dug out and there is a further three planned, which will show evidence of medieval street lay-outs and buildings.

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for transportation, said: “It is fascinating looking at these trenches and looking into the town’s hidden past. It is important that we carry out full investigations of the land before any works start on the site, however I hope any discoveries won’t adversely affect our timeline for getting the work started on this much-needed car park.”

Dudley Council has secured £2.5million from as part of its Dudley Town Centre development programme for the new car park as part of the on-going regeneration of the town centre.

Dr George Nash, from SLR Consultants, who is heading up the dig, added: “We have dug down about 2.5 metres and have exposed a period of history spanning around 800 years. The dig has uncovered some pieces of 12th century pottery.

"More importantly it has highlighted what we already knew about the wonderful hidden town layout under Dudley, which is one of the best in the country for mediaeval towns.”

Designs for the car park will be submitted to Dudley Council in March depending on what the archaeologists unearth.