EXPERT archaeologists have been working in Burnley’s historic Weavers’ Triangle as work starts on the town’s £10.3million University Technical College.

Large industrial boilers dating back to the mid-18th Century, that were once filled with coal and used to power Victoria Mill, were found by developers at the site, off Trafalgar Street.

Coun Andy Tatchell said the discovery of the old industrial features shows what an important economic centre the Weavers’ Triangle was.

He said: “The UTC is part of that work to make Burnley’s industrial heart beat again.

“It will play a key part in making the Weavers’ Triangle the focus for Burnley’s high-tech future.”

Evidence of the industrial archaeology came to light when local firm Barnfield Construction began work earlier this month to transform the Grade II-listed building.

Experts were called in, leading to an archaeological strip which involves experts moving in on their hands and knees, using brushes and small picks to carefully unearth what is lying below the surface.

Now the industrial archaeology has been properly recorded, and catalogued, the area has been filled back in, and the yard restored to its former condition without causing any delays.

And Lancashire County Council has photographed and archived the site.

Prince Charles visited Victoria Mill on a recent visit to the town.

Site manager Mike Riley, of Barnfield Construction, said: “We re-organised our work programme so this work could go ahead while progress was still made on the UTC, and the overall work schedule wasn’t held up.”