A £5m plan to revamp the Abingdon Museum building - which could see the entrance area encased in glass - was unveiled yesterday.

Abingdon Town Council has received £50,000 of Heritage Lottery funding so that staff can start organising the project.

The Vale of White Horse District Council and Oxfordshire County Council have also put forward funding.

A total of £60,000 has been raised to pay for detailed studies by conservationists, architects, marketing and access specialists.

The museum is housed in the 17th-century County Hall, regarded as one of the finest buildings of its type in the whole country, and the home of the town's famous bun-throwing ceremonies.

It is a Grade I listed building and a scheduled Ancient Monument, and any changes would be carefully controlled by English Heritage.

Museum curator Lauren Gilmour said if all the ideas for improvements were realised, the cost would be £5m, although major improvements could be achieved for £2m.

She added: "During the next two months we want people to come forward with suggestions on how the museum building could be improved.

"The town council is taking the lead on this and the idea is that we work with the public at every stage.

"The planning application will initially go to the Vale council, but of course English Heritage consent is essential."

Consultants are examining how to improve access, particularly for the disabled and elderly, and to make the museum more attractive to visitors.

An action plan is being drawn up and the public's views are now being sought. The plan should be ready by August.

If it the Vale council grants planning permission, an application for further Lottery funding will be submitted.

At a public meeting, architect Oliver Salway discussed how the building could be improved and made more accessible.

One of the major considerations is the provision of a lift that could be built inside or on the outside at the back.

Another idea is to enclose the entrance area under the arches with glass and create a more hospitable ground floor entrance.

The main exhibition hall could be used for concerts and receptions and the roof for a café. But there is a lack of water points and toilets in the building to cope with wider use.

David Miles, a spokesman for English Heritage, said: "The building is a wonderful heritage asset. It is important to improve the museum that reflects the town's rich history.

"There may be difficulties but these things can be made possible. We must take a positive vision for the future."