ENGLISH Heritage has launched an iniatiative to protect Cheshire’s historical sites after a spate of ‘nighthawking’ incidents in Middlewich.

Heritage officers say that the vulnerable Harbutt’s Field Roman fort site has suffered repeated attacks of illegal metal detecting.

Middlewich residents have been asking English Heritage for advice on how to protect the archaeological site in King Street.

Now signs will be put up so people are aware that metal detecting on the site without a licence is illegal - and know the penalties.

“Heritage crime robs us of our history,” said Henry Owen John, English Heritage’s regional director for the north west.

“Its effect on our lives is insidious and felt often too late.

“Beautiful buildings are scarred forever, places we treasure and enjoy lose their identity and appeal, evidence about our past is lost and tourism suffers, not to mention the burden on owners to repair and put things right.”

The true extent of heritage crimes is difficult to quantify as they tend to be under-reported by victims.

But an English Heritage study in 2009 suggests that the problem is growing.

The Middlewich community is being urged report all incidents to police to prevent irreversible damage.

A number of important historical relics have been found in Middlewich over the decades.

The Middlewich Diploma, a fragment of a Roman military bronze certificate was found in 1939 and a Roman camp stool, a bronze, iron and wood artefact was found during excavations in the 1960s.

Town clerk Jonathan Williams, of Middlewich Town Council, added: “Middlewich is delighted to take an active part in the heritage crime initiative.

“Our heritage is a very strong force for civic pride in the town and engages residents and visitors alike.

“Therefore we must protect and nurture our heritage and the town council is working with a dedicated group of volunteers and trained guides to safeguard the scheduled monument site and to raise awareness of its significance both for Middlewich and within the region.”