A DEVELOPER has been chosen to transform Abingdon's Old Gaol, but the company's identity, how much it has offered to pay for the 200-year-old building and its proposals all remain a closely guarded secret.

The executive of the Vale of White Horse District Council has confirmed it has selected a "winner" from an undisclosed number of short-listed bidders.

A deal is not expected to be concluded until February or March. Attempts under the Freedom of Information Act to find details have been refused on the grounds of confidentiality.

The council says that confidentiality is essential if the council is to get the best possible outcome in terms of price and quality of development.

Chief Executive Terry Stock said: "We have been on a long and complex journey. There has been much public interest but it is in the council's interest that confidentiality is maintained until the issue has been resolved.

"We are now entering into the crucial, final phase. The agreement into which we enter with the preferred developer needs to be very tight."

Glynne Butt, chairman of Community in the Old Gaol, has urged the council to look at establishing a small, two-screen cinema that could double as a theatre or conference venue. She said the MG Club was confident of obtaining funding for an MG museum and a gallery and display area would be widely welcomed.