THE archaeology of the centre of Winchester will be the subject of a public meeting in December.

The Archaeology Panel for the Central Winchester Regeneration area will meet in public to discuss the potential for the area.

How to deal with the hidden history has been a controversial issue over discussions of Silver Hill 2 development. Some campaigners want any finds to be made the focus of the redevelopment as has happened in York.

The meeting is on Tuesday December 11 at Winchester Guildhall 6pm-8.30pm.

It will be chaired by Ian Murray, former editor of the Hampshire Chronicle, and will be a mix of information from the expert panel, round table discussions about the key topics on archaeology in the area, such as how we can protect and preserve the area, and an opportunity to put questions to the members of the expert panel and hear their answers.

The Cabinet Committee for the Central Winchester Regeneration area will also be in attendance.

City council leader Cllr Caroline Horrill said: “We made a commitment to continue discussions on our approach to archaeology in the city centre. The Panel has a great wealth of knowledge and this is an opportunity for members of the public to come and ask questions, learn more and understand the approach that has been recommended by the panel.”

A newsletter with the findings and discussion points from the whole day will be published shortly after the day’s events.