The public are being asked for their views about the future of Abingdon's Old County Hall following plans to move the town's museum to a new cultural centre.

For more than 80 years the 17th century building, in the Market Place, has housed the town's museum.

The building was the old Berkshire County Assize Court until 1867, when the courts were transferred to Reading. Its use will be debated again following proposals to switch the museum to the Old Gaol.

The museum might become part of a cultural centre including a library, theatre and cinema.

Cherry Gray, the museum's curator, said the Old County Hall was unsuitable for a museum.

She said a new centre at the Old Gaol would provide a better venue.

She said of the hall: "We could use the building to tell the story of Abingdon or the history of the building itself, and what it was used for."

Julie Mayhew-Archer, chairman of the museum management committee, said: "A museum at the Old Gaol would offer more space and improved access including a lift. Lottery funding would be needed to cover the capital costs.

"The Old County Hall would still be open to the public but for less time.

"We would like to hear the public's views on what use we should make of the building. Should it be open as an historic building with a display interpreting its history, a craft centre or a hall?"

The museum is running the Slices of Life exhibition about the history of food.

Staff want people to send in photographs of their eating habits.

For more about the hall or the exhibition call 01235 523703.