An archaeological dig will be taking place at the Master's House, Ledbury, as part of Herefordshire Council's plans for a new library in the town.
The dig will start on January 5 and take three weeks, being timed to coincide with work by Welsh Water at the Top Cross, thereby limiting the duration of disruption to this vibrant market town.
Work will be taking place in the section of the car park between the Master's House and the Feather's Wall and 48 car parking spaces will be unavailable during the works. A viewing platform will be erected so people can see the works taking place.
Herefordshire Council is investigating alternative car parking provision along Bye Street.
It is intended to reinstate the car park between the dig and start of work on the new building but there will be a permanent reduction in car parking in St Katherine's and the council is seeking further car parking in the town.
Architects have been invited to apply for the tender for the new building and the public will get a chance to comment on proposed designs. The results of the archaeological dig will inform and may also inspire the design.
If an architect is in place by April 2009, work on the new building may start by January, 2010, but all timescales are dependent on the findings of the archaeological work and this is why it is so important that the council completes this dig as soon as possible.
Kate Murray, Herefordshire Council's assistant cultural services manager, said: "I would like to apologise to motorists and traders for any inconvenience this work causes but we have to fully investigate the archaeological remains before pressing ahead with the development of the new library.
"We will be seeking extra car parking, so that all who want to access the wealth of services, shops and amenities on offer in Ledbury, can. We have also delayed the dig until January so it doesn't impact on the busy run-up to Christmas," she added.
Anyone who would like to join the dig as a volunteer is invited to contact Christopher Atkinson, project archaeologist, on 01432 260493.