An archaeological dig is set to begin this summer in Gelligaer after Caerphilly County Borough Council approved plans.
The project at Gelligaer Cemetery will begin after initial investigations to extend the cemetery indicated significant Roman remains of national importance.
The council’s cabinet has also agreed to donate any artefacts discovered during the dig to the National Museum of Wales.
The dig will uncover what is thought to be the remains of an original Roman road and will provide opportunities for Caerphilly County Borough Council to work closely with Gelligaer Historical Society and Cardiff University’s School of History, Archaeology and Religion.
The community will also be able to get involved with the project with local schools and groups being given opportunity to work alongside the archaeologists and a special event is to be held in September.
Cllr Ken James, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Sustainable Development and Planning welcomed the news.
He said: “I am pleased the proposals have been progressed by Cabinet as the archaeological excavations will provide excellent opportunities for partnership working and once in a life time experiences for the community.”
Welcome news of historic local advantage.
However, this is not the "Once in a lifetime" experience for the local communities, these `digs` have happened before in our lifetime, and, in someways preserved, certainly well documented, and, in the 50,s and 60`s taught in local schools.
But, welcome news all the same, even if Cabinet members cannot get it `Quite` right.