The remains of a medieval wall have been unearthed next to Abbey Fields swimming pool, the district council has announced.

The discovery, thought to be part of a water mill, was revealed during archaeological investigations taking place before the leisure centre is knocked down and rebuilt

The remains are now being analysed by experts from Historic England, Archaeology Warwickshire and local historians. 

In the meantime, Warwick District Council's design team and its contractors AR Demolition and Kier Construction will clear a larger portion of the site to see if any more walls or other remains can be found. 

The council said the find will cause a further delay to the signing of contracts for the multi-million pound redevelopment but added that the project will still go ahead.

"Given the historic significance of Abbey Fields we will need to establish the full extent of the walls and ensure that they can be preserved in situ," said Cllr Liam Bartlett, portfolio holder for economy and culture.

"Although this discovery will not prevent the construction of the new building, it could affect its design as we will need to decide whether the walls should be carefully buried or put on show.

"This development has put a temporary hold on the signing of contracts, while we assess the financial implications of any changes or further delays to the programme.

"It is however hoped that this can be resolved very soon and that work on site can begin in early September, after the school holidays."

The council has also cut down a number of trees to create a new path around the rear of the old swimming pool building.

It is expected that construction work for the swimming centre at Abbey Fields will start in September.

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