FRIDAY is decision day on the future of an Abingdon landmark.

At a closed meeting, the developer will be chosen for the town's historic Old Gaol, pictured - but the name will be kept under wraps.

At a meeting of the Vale of White Horse District Council's seven-member executive, councillors will decide which company is preferred but will not reveal the name or how much is being offered for the site.

Once the executive has reached a decision, a process of negotiation will then lead to the signing of a contract early next year.

The continuing secrecy has angered action group Community in the Old Gaol (COG), which wants to see community facilities included in any agreement with the developer. COG representatives met the council to press its case for a meeting with developers but came away empty handed.

COG chairman Glynne Butt said: "We continue to be gravely concerned that the financial aspect of the sale will be the over-riding factor and that Abingdon may miss this once-only opportunity to convert one of its historic buildings into something the local community can use and enjoy.

"When the contract is signed it will be too late for input from COG to have any significant effect."

Although the council remains steadfast in its refusal to release information, we understand that Trevor Osborne - the man who transformed the Oxford Prison site - is among the front runners. The council wants to see a mixed-use development of homes, shops, cafes, bars and public access to the riverside garden.

Council leader Jerry Patterson said: "The bidding process cannot yet be open to the public because it would then also be open to bidders - and there is a strong likelihood that the capital receipt to the council would be lessened."