ANOTHER piece in the jigsaw of Middlewich's medieval history has been put in place after the discovery of relics dating back 700 years.

But the find, including pottery, a brine pit and a coin, will not prevent a housing development on Lewin Street.

A small scale excavation was carried out on land between the library and the Narrowboat pub, prior to the building of 11 flats by Templar Housing.

County archeologist Adrian Tindall said: "The housing development will still go ahead. The evidence uncovered on the site is not sufficient to alter or cancel the building plan.

"But it is another piece of the jigsaw that gives clues to the history of the town."

The relics found at the 200sq metre site include 16th and 18th century postholes, a medieval boundary, pottery from 1350 to 1450 and a silver penny from the reign of King Edward 1, dating back to 1270.

But the most significant find is a brine pit which archeologists believe was used for storing and producing salt.

The news is particularly welcome as the town's Roman project is well underway. The project aims to bring together a tour, guidebook and display.

Town clerk Jonathan Williams from the project's steering group said: "The continuing finds give more weight to the project which we hope will acknowledge and celebrate Roman Middlewich."