Mid-Cheshire III Pipeline, Cheshire East: Archaeological Watching Brief

United Utilities have proposed the construction of a 5km long pipeline to the north of Elworth and Sandbach in Cheshire (Fig 1; NGR SJ 74004 61728 to SJ 76137 60653). Following the results of recommendations made by the Cheshire County Council Historic Environment Officer, Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) was commissioned to undertake an archaeological desk-based assessment, walkover survey, and topographic survey of the proposed development area (OA North 2009). Due to the significant number of archaeological sites identified along the development route, a programme of archaeological works was recommended, comprising an archaeological watching brief to be maintained during all groundworks proposed for areas of previously undisturbed ground. This was duly undertaken during January and February 2010.