An archaeological dig at Mereoak delays park-and-ride scheme

There are currently two Reading park and ride schemes in place - to and from Loddon Bridge and the Madejski Stadium

A multi-million pound transport plan to ease traffic congestion in Reading has been delayed by an archaeological dig.

The two park-and-ride schemes at Mereoak and Winnersh in Wokingham have been set back by at least five months.

The excavation at Mereoak revealed the edge of a late Iron Age farmstead and "burial activity", including two cremation urns.

Reading transport boss Tony Page said "the high water table" at Winnersh caused foundation-laying delays there.

Cremation finds

The car parks will include nearly 1,000 parking spaces in total.

Construction on both sites were supposed to be completed by March, but new deadlines for Mereoak and Winnersh are now August and September respectively.

Archaeologists at Mereoak Lane said the farmstead found probably continued to be in use throughout the Roman period.

Samples from the cremations have been taken off site for analysis and carbon dating.

A dig there in 2007 uncovered items including a large amount of pottery belonging to the later Iron Age or early Roman period (1 BC to 2 AD).

Now the site will provide 579 parking spaces and improved paths and cycle ways alongside the car park.

The Winnersh Triangle park and ride will have 390 spaces and replace the current location at Loddon Bridge.

Two Reading park and ride schemes are currently in place to Loddon Bridge and the Madejski Stadium.