A FORMER chapel graveyard in Edgworth will not be excavated despite a builder unearthing four human bones, archeological experts have revealed.

The council-owned site in Thomason Fold has been the focus of local interest since a local builder uncovered the remains as he started building a four-bedroomed house.

Two bones, believed to be those of a woman and child, were removed and another two remained lodged in trenches at the site. The find halted work and police and scenes of crime officers attended the site.

It is thought the bones date back to 1822 when the site was the Congregationalist Chapel graveyard.

Forensic and archeological tests were conducted to determine the age of the bones. If tests showed the bones weren't more than 100 years old, the site may have had to be excavated.

But John Darlington, Lancashire County Council Archeologist, said it was unlikely the site will be dug up.

He added it was probable that the uncovered bones would be removed and re-buried elsewhere although the matter is in the hands of the Coroner and planners at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

Now the builder Graham Luxton is hopeful of getting back to work within the next three weeks.

Mr Luxton said: "We have got a decision. We have gone through all the correct procedures. A specialist is going to come and sift through the area and if there are any more bones they will be taken away and re-buried."

The Congregationalist Chapel was replaced by another Independent Chapel in 1867. That was demolished about 100 years later.