MEMBERS of the public are being invited to share their knowledge after an unexpected archaeological discovery in Mold.

The Leader reported last year how the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) confirmed a cash boost to redevelop Bailey Hill in the town.

Works have been ongoing as part of the redevelopment, but archaeologists have unearthed part of a structure in the flower bed by the entrance which has been throwing up some questions.

Cllr Andrea Mearns has invited members of the public to share any knowledge of the structure, explaining: "The thinking so far is that it may be a soak away or cesspit for the cottage, but it doesn't show up on old plans of the site.

"If anybody knows anything about its history - when it was built and what it was for - please get in touch with Mold Town Council on 01352 758532."

Harrison Design and Development was appointed by Flintshire Council to act as lead consultant to manage the HLF grant.

Claire Halestrap of the firm said: "It is a large structure - we think it is a cesspit or soakaway.

"It does look quite old, but it's definitely not related to the motte and bailey.

"We think when the cottage was joined to the mains and the second storey was built, this structure probably became redundant.

"The archaeology has been recorded and the new scheme will be built over it."

Josh Dean, of Aeon Archaeology, described the nature of the findings so far.

He said: "The area behind the cottage at Bailey Hill is probably associated with when the back yard was dug out.

"It was dug out right down to the sand (esker) and there are elements of clay silt.

"Most of the things we have found relate to Victorians - Alf Mather Mold bottle, elements of Buckley ware, Carlton Llandudno bottle.

"The oldest item is from around 1750, a piece of Staffordshire slip ware from London.

"At the entrance to the Outer Bailey we have found a mass of tree roots, some Buckley curb stones and again traces that it was dug right back by the Victorians to the sand level and laid out as part of a garden."