Residents want to know details of what they believe to be a "significant archaeological find" uncovered on the site of the planned 1,138-home Westcombe Park development in Heybridge.

Locals say they were told by a worker on the site that an ancient bowl - possibly dating back 4,000 years - was found by archaeologists who are carrying out investigations on certain areas of the site, which surrounds Heybridge Wood.

Peter Calvert says he was told by the worker that the bowl was found on one of two fields adjacent to Heywood Way - where he lives - where archaeological excavations are currently taking place.

"They've had a significant find over on the other field. They've found a bowl they reckon is 4,000 years old. It's complete, it's just got a crack in it - that was his words to me," Peter said.

"As far as he was aware it was a really, really important find and they were going to look for more."

He says residents have been given no further details on the possible find from developer Countryside Properties, who was given the go-ahead to build the development in October 2019, despite wanting to know more.

"We're trying to find out exactly what's there from Countryside, and they're not interested in telling us anything," he said.

Countryside said in a letter to residents in September last year that areas of "potential archaeological interest" had been identified on the site.

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The developer confirmed the areas would be subject to archaeological excavation, which is currently taking place, to allow for the "exposure, processing and recording of any archaeological remains".

Yellow flags have now been put up around the area where residents say the bowl was found.

Penny Dashwood-Calvert, Peter's wife, said: "As seems to be the continuing pattern with the Westcombe Park site, the residents living nearby impacted by noise and site activity are not kept informed.

"We would very much like to be told what exactly has been found during the archaeological survey, which clearly is of significant interest to those surveying if the quantity of soil being excavated is anything to go by."

She pointed to the area's "great historical and environmental importance", with Heybridge being well-known for its Anglo-Saxon, Iron Age and Roman roots.

In the mid-nineties, the development of a new housing estate between Crescent Road and Heybridge Approach further revealed its ancient past.

The land was excavated in 1993 after house-building company Bovis Homes bought it for development.

More than two years of digging led to the discovery of 2,910 Roman coins and large collections of animal bones and pottery fragments from the late Iron Age and Roman periods.

The site was a major Romano-British village in the 1st century A.D., with farm plots, roads, wooden buildings and a temple built over an earlier shrine.

"As much of the site as possible should be preserved for future generations," said Penny about the latest development.

In an open letter submitted to Maldon District Council last month, residents called for a community liaison panel to be established to "improve" communication with locals about the development.

Penny added: "I will again take the opportunity to call on Maldon District Council to please initiate a community forum or community liaison panel with local residents, without further delay, to enable effective community liaison and involvement."

A spokesperson for Countryside said: "Over the last few months, works have been undertaken within parts of the site under the supervision of the county archaeology team. Further areas of the site are subject to archaeological investigation.

"A full report on the outcome of the archaeological investigations together with a short summary will be produced in due course and submitted to Maldon Council and Essex County Council.

"Both will be available to the public."