SECRECY still surrounds the future of Abingdon's Old Gaol.

The Vale of White Horse District Council has refused to divulge the names of the final list of bidders or how many companies are vying to buy and redevelop the 200-year-old listed building.

It has defended its stance on the grounds that confidentiality is essential to secure the best possible deal for the former leisure centre, which has been empty for five years.

The secrecy has angered the group Community in the Old Gaol (Cog), which wants to see community facilities included in any agreement with developers.

The plans received include a mixture of homes, shops, cafes, bars and a restaurant and all include public access to the riverside garden.

Cog chairman Glynn Butt said: "So far no information has been made public and so it's unclear when and indeed if any real public consultation will take place.

"By early December the decision will finally have been made and by then it will be too late. Time is running out."

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Dr Evan Harris said: "The question for the council is whether the bottom line is purely financial or whether it's about more than the finances - about maximising the money that they can get for the site and balancing that with the need for community use."

The advice from the council's independent property consultant is that the release of commercially sensitive information about any of the bids in the tender process would seriously prejudice the council's interests.

Council chief executive Terry Stock said it was a very complicated, multi-development issue and a far-reaching challenge.

In July, eight companies were in the running. That has been reduced to an unknown number.

Mr Stock said: "Releasing any information that might enable potential developers to reduce their overall offer in either quality or price - for example, by releasing information that might suggest little or weak competition - would be detrimental to the public interest.

"During the evaluation period it might be necessary to go back to one or more of the companies for clarification, so this remains a real concern. The council has a duty and is determined to seek the best possible offers from would-be developers."

The preferred bidder is expected to be announced at the council's executive meeting in December. Councillors will also discuss what consultation might take place.