An archaeological watching brief was conducted by NPS Archaeology in 2012 during groundworks associated with an extension to the Bures Water Treatment Works on Colchester Road. <1> Two archaeological features were encountered, both presumed to be ditches and both undated. These ditches were sealed by a thick layer of subsoil containing prehistoric flint and medieval and later pottery. It was noted that the shallow foundations of the water treatment installations did not impact below the level of the subsoil and so did not affect any archaeological remains.