Source/Archive record SCH5445 - Mid-Cheshire 3 Pipeline, Cheshire East: Archaeological Watching Brief-Supplementary Report

United Utilities constructed 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. Very few of the sites previously identified were directly impacted upon during the groundworks. The majority of the archaeology affected and observed during the watching brief related to the continuous use of the landscape in an arable capacity; several field boundaries were observed, as were a number of areas of ridge and furrow. The majority of the archaeological features observed proved to be postmedieval field drains. The pipe laying activities are complete and, therefore, no further work is recommended.