ARCHAEOLOGISTS are returning to Winchester for public dialogue over excavations in the centre of Winchester.

The hidden history under the city centre will be aired at a series of events in the autumn.

The events to enable people to hear more about the Archaeology Advisory Panel’s report and recommendations.

The panel was asked to look into the potential discoveries under the area of Silver Hill 2, also known as the Central Winchester Regeneration (CWR).

The work is controversial as many local people want the council to make a permanent display of what is underground.

The Archaeology Advisory Panel, led by Prof Martin Biddle, who led digs in Winchester from the 1960s and 70s, said it would be preferable to leave any artefacts undisturbed.

Members of the Cabinet (CWR) Committee approved plans for a number of events that will be designed so people can understand the recommendations from the expert advisers.

At a public meeting the panel will present their report findings and recommendations. This event will help people learn about the science behind the report, and to understand the guidelines and policies that inform practices of archaeology today.

Smaller seminars will be held for an invited audience of people who submitted specific comments on archaeology during the CWR consultation. At these seminars, people will be able to discuss their thoughts in more detail and ask questions of the panel. These will be smaller events to enable two way conversations and more detailed information to be discussed.

There will also be a session with the Cabinet (Central Winchester Regeneration) committee.

Council leader, Cllr Caroline Horrill, said: “This mix of events will give people of varying interest and knowledge the opportunity to find out more, share their thoughts and understand how the advice from archaeology professional experts will be at the heart of future developments”.