The remains of eight people have been dug up to make way for a new police station in Market Drayton.
Eight graves dating back more than 100 years have been removed from the Police Station on Salisbury Road and it is believed there may be several more.
Underground tests over three years ago revealed the site is a former 19th century burial ground with a number of graves that include remains.
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police, said: “We have been aware for some years there were some old gravestones lying flat on the area of land under consideration for a new station at the front of the present site.
“It was decided to undertake a subtronic survey of the ground and, somewhat to our surprise, we discovered there are graves containing remains in the land in our ownership.
“Our research shows there was once a small non-conformist Baptist chapel which stood at the side of the site. There was a period of notice that we issued last September in case anyone had an interest in the people who were buried there.
“West Mercia Police would like to reassure everyone that all remains will be dealt with in a respectful and appropriate way and reinterred at Market Drayton Town Cemetery.”
The existing Market Drayton police station build dates back to the 1930s.
West Mercia Police says that it is keen to offer improved facilities for staff and the public and feels the best way to do this is with a new purpose built police station in front of the present building.
It is hoped the new station will be completed in around 12 month’s time – although planning permission is yet to be granted
By Joseph Masi