A BRIDGWATER group claims it has been forced to step in to see the correct archaeological works carried out at the site of a new town hotel.

The Bridgwater & District Civic Society notified those involved with development at the 101-room hotel, restaurant and bar on a corner of Eastover and Broadway that a condition of the planning approval was that a full programme of archaeological works take place.

Sedgemoor District Council says survey work was unable to be carried out until the site had been cleared and is working with developer, DC Homes & Investments Ltd, to ensure it took place.

But vice chairman of the society, Hannah West, said the group was concerned over what they see as a lack of urgency regarding the works.

“The late medieval hospital was a major institution, in fact one of the wealthiest in the country,” she said. “This redevelopment offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to find out more about the hos- pital church, infirmary, cloister (containing domestic buildings) and its graveyards.”

The proposed hotel will be built on the site of St John’s Hospital next to the old East Gate.

She added: “Yet again, we have had to remind the various agencies involved that ancestors of local people were buried at the hospital. It was highly likely human remains would be found.

More must be done by the local authorities to protect the interests of our community.”

SDC, as the planning authority, granted consent in July 2013 and physical work on the site started in October 2015.

A council spokesman said: “Until the old building was demol- ished, it was impossible to carry out the archaeological investigations. This is a current phase of activity which follows on from the demolition of the old structure, and the prior removal of as- bestos from the site.

“Sedgemoor are in receipt of the required Written Scheme of Investigation needed to manage the archaeological investigations and are working with the developer and SW Heritage Trust to monitor to record any findings of historic significance.”