Media centre

Thursday 9 Oct 2003

TIME TEAM COMES TO MARCH?

Region & Route:

| Southern

As part of Cambridgeshire County Council’s planning application process, Network Rail will be carrying out some archaeological excavations at the former marshalling yard in March. The site has cohabited with the railways for well over 100 years, but what is underneath the soil is still unknown.  There is a lot of pre work involved in digging the shallow trenches.  First, the trenches cannot be dug until the grass has been cut.  Then Network Rail’s environmental contractors have to ensure that wildlife, in particular newts, are unable to access the trenches.  Therefore, low-level ‘amphibian’ fencing will be erected.  Digging can then commence. Peter Heubeck, Network Rail, Project Director said: “We will be digging archaeological trenches around the site, in areas where foundations will have to be laid and holes dug.  It is unlikely that any remains will be found but we are happy to undertake these precautionary excavations. - more -Fencing - 2 “Whilst we are able to access the site, the Strategic Rail Authority, who owns the majority of the land, has asked us to repair fencing at vulnerable access points. Like any responsible company we are going to secure the area to ensure the safety of the public and the security of the site itself.” Although private property, Network Rail is aware that many people visit the site for recreational purposes.  The site, however, has the potential to be hazardous.  There are a number of underground storage tanks, tripping hazards, waste materials and contaminated land. “It is unfortunate that neighbours to the site will have to use other parks, but hope that they understand the reasons for this action.”