AN archaeological dig taking place in a town's high street may provide a last-ditch chance for residents to oppose a development.

The excavation is taking place on the site of a former tyre and exhaust fitting centre in Yarm High Street.

Archaeologists from a private contractor are checking for the remains of any medieval buildings.

The excavation, by Durham-based Pre-Construct Archaeology, is being funded by site owner, Javid Majid, who also owns the Tall Trees leisure development, on the edge of Yarm.

If the site is found to have historical importance, it could jeopardise any future plans for the site.

Mr Majid, of Maher Entertainments, bought the site in the late 1990s and, in 2002, announced his intention to build a three-storey wine bar and 32-seater restaurant there.

It is not now known what Mr Majid plans to do with the site and, so far, no application has been received by Stockton Borough Council.

Yarm councillor Brian Jones said residents were keen to see the character of High Street maintained and that they would welcome any restrictions to development the survey might offer.

He said: "It is sad that it is left to an archaeological survey to protect the rights of residents. We would oppose any leisure development on the site. Yarm is a beautiful place in the day, but at night residents are having to deal with a host of problems of anti-social behaviour brought on by the bars and pubs."

Peter Rowe, of Tees Archaeology, which is monitoring the excavation, said the site's location, next to High Street, meant it was possible medieval remains could be uncovered.

"Yarm High Street dates back hundreds of years and was a thriving business centre in medieval times," he said. "You might expect to find evidence of the trades that were practised in the town, such as tools from blacksmiths."

However, he said the town's long history of flooding meant it was likely the medieval remains could be buried too deep to find underlayers of silt from the river.

Mr Majid was unavailable for comment.