Anyone wanting to comment of the proposed large scale redevelopment of Bicester town centre should put pen to paper soon.

People are being invited to send in their views to Cherwell District Council by September 24.

The development will be mostly over the three adjoining town centre car parks owned by the council between Sheep Street and Manorsfield Road.

Local businessmen and women will be able to question council officers at a Bicester and District Chamber of Commerce meeting at the Littlebury Hotel, in King's End, at 6pm today.

Council officers will also be at Bicester Innovation Centre, in Telford Road, off Launton Road, on August 25 and 26 for private discussions with local businesses and property owners.

There will also be an exhibition at the farmers' market in Sheep Street on Thursday.

So far Sainsbury's, who recently bought the adjacent Crown Walk shopping centre, and Kimberley Developments, representing Waitrose, have publicly expressed an interest in the five to six acre site.

George Reynolds, Cherwell District Council's executive member for development, said: "This is a very ambitious proposal and exciting times lie ahead for Bicester."

Bicester's town centre facilities have not kept pace with the growth of the town. We want to see a comprehensive development anchored by a major foodstore, a five or six screen cinema, an improved bus station and other amenities. This is a very ambitious proposal and exciting times lie ahead for Bicester."

Mr Reynolds added that by talking to the business community it was hoped to get everyone on board.

Members of the public wanting to comment should write to the Head of Planning and Development Services, Cherwell District Council, Bodicote House, Bodicote, Banbury, OX15 4AA by September 24.