'No foul play' over human remains beneath car park

A coroner has confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the discovery of human remains at a construction site in Staffordshire.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council said control of the Midway car park site had been returned to the developer Capital & Centric and that work would resume as soon as possible.

The former car park is being developed into 110 new homes, a scheme described by the developers as a UK first.

"Following the discovery of human remains during works at the regeneration site, our immediate priority has been to ensure they are treated with dignity, respect, and care," said council leader Jonathan Gullis.

"The police have completed their initial work and have released the site back to the contractor, and the matter is no longer being treated as a crime scene.

"The coroner has also confirmed that the remains are of sufficient age that there is no indication of suspicious circumstances."

Work was paused after the remains were uncovered last week during the first phase of ground excavations.

However, work on the wider site has subsequently continued where possible, with planning and co-ordination taking place behind the scenes.

"This is a landmark development and one of three multi-million-pound regeneration schemes currently under way in Newcastle-under-Lyme," Gullis said.

"Together, they will play a vital role in the future of our town centre by creating new opportunities for residents, businesses, and visitors."

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