Iron Age and Roman Site - Aller Cross.

Research carried out by the Kingskerswell Alliance has confirmed that there is an important Middle Iron Age and Roman Site at Aller Cross, exactly in line with the proposed route of the bypass.

The fieldwork was carried out back in 1992 and again in 1993 by Wessex Archaeology in respect of the bypass proposals.

Test excavations have found examples of both Iron Age and Roman pottery. Some items found indicated local links with Milber Down, Newton Abbot and Kents Cavern, Torquay as well as links with Glastonbury. There was also evidence of trading links with Europe. Some examples (i.e. a jar) dated back to the 1st/2nd century AD.

The Devon Archaeological Society state "The identification of pre-Roman activity on the site is significant." Due to the very small number of sites indicating Iron Age occupation, the society continued "Although the current evidence for Middle Iron Age activity at Aller cross is slight, its potential importance is clear."

The authors of the Devon Archaeological Society report concluded that the initial exploration of the site "has chanced upon an important 'new' archaeological site in the Devon countryside."

This is just the latest example of environmental evidence now stacking up against the proposed bypass. This latest find has to be added to the earlier evidence outlined regarding the County Wildlife sites and the existance of the Lesser and Greater Horseshoe bats who's existance is threatened by the proposed bypass.

Only by combining all this information together, can we see the true picture regarding the extent of damage and destruction this scheme would cause. Paul Bright, Vice Chairman of the Kingskerswell Alliance said "This latest evidence highlights that the environmental 'price tag' we are being asked to pay is just too high".