A scheme to develop a major water museum in south Oxfordshire has been thrown a lifeline.

Members of South Oxfordshire District Council have been invited to have detailed talks with the men behind the scheme in Wallingford so that a proper plan can be drawn up.

The Wallingford Water Environment Trust wants to establish a major national attraction with a museum centred on the needs for and use of water.

The trust wants town centre premises but so far has not gained planning permission. Until permission is given, any bid made to the district council's community trust fund for cash help cannot be processed.

Conservative leader Ann Ducker said: "This project could be a very important one for south Oxfordshire. Their applications have to be rejected because there is no planning permission extant.

"This project will not get off the ground without the help of this district council."