AN EMMINENT archeologist is concerned that a Cotswold landowner is digging up one on Britain's most important pre-historic sites.

According to TV archeologist Dr Mark Horton the land next to Gardener's Cottage in Bagendon is being damaged by its landowner, Norman Bellone.

However, site manager Phil Cole has said that the work has been approved by county archeologists who have been kept informed throughout the process.

Bagendon was an old pre-historic town and home to the Roman Dobbunni tribe.

Local residents have been horrified the landowner has dug a 100-metre trench right through the middle of it.

Dr Horton, who is an archeologist at Bristol University and appeared on the BBC's Coast programme, said: "In terms of our pre-historic sites in Britain it is one of the most important and represents the beginning of urbanization."

The Standard has received anonymous phone calls from some villagers complaining about the state of the site.

Mr Bellone's contractor Phil Cole said: "The field that we are digging is not an archeological site it is the field next door that is.

"We have checked with the district council and county archeologists throughout this process. We are simply carrying out some agricultural drainage after a couple of springs appeared on the land.

"We are not digging down far enough to upset anything that might be underground."

County archeologist Mel Solick confirmed: "At this point in time we don't believe that there is any damage being done to the land.

"We sent people out last week to check the site and although it does not look pretty it is only agricultural work"

Chairman of the parish council Henry Robinson said: "If the archeologists have approved of what Mr Bellone is doing then I can't see the problem."

However Dr Horton is concerned that the site is not properly protected.

He said: "It should be a scheduled ancient monument but English Heritage have only protected the banks, not the rest of the land.

"The earliest coins were minted there and in fact a silver coin was found very close to where the landowner is digging.

"While the landowner is doing nothing wrong or illegal, any earthmoving activity within the site is bound to have an impact."