A ROMAN soldier’s tombstone and Bicester’s first fire engine could be among the hidden artefacts showcased in a new museum.

Plans for a museum in Bicester have taken a step forward after Cherwell District Council said space was likely to be set aside for the project.

It follows years of lobbying by the Bicester Local History Society (BLHS).

Councillors are to discuss a planned new civic building later this month when a report is due to go to the council’s executive.

Work could start on the building from September 2013.

The council says it is likely space will be available to exhibit and display items of historical interest at the civic centre, which is due to be built over Franklins Yard car park.

History society chairman Bob Hessian said: “For many years BLHS have been campaigning for a museum facility in Bicester.

“There has never been a stronger need for one than now.

“Banbury, Woodstock, Thame, Buckingham and Bloxham all have their own museum, but not Bicester.

“There is a glimmer of hope on the horizon and an opportunity that must be taken before it is too late. Bicester needs it and deserves it.”

In the past few weeks bones have been found at the site of new flats off Chapel Street, which experts believe could be of the town’s patron saint, St Edburg.

The move follows a 40 per cent cut to the service’s budget for the next three years as part of four-year £119m savings at the Conservative-run county council.

A Cherwell District Council spokesman said the site would not be available until September 2013 but that it was likely the building would include space to exhibit and display historical items.

A county council spokesman said: “A meeting was recently held with interested parties to begin discussions about the possibility of having a space in the proposed new civic building in Bicester which could be used to chronicle the history of the town.

“Discussions will continue with no decisions having been made.”

In July the Oxford Mail revealed museum opening hours could be cut and exhibitions scaled back in the county under a 40 per cent budget cut plan.

Oxfordshire County Council is consulting on plans to reduce its full-time staffing roles from 30 to 15 for the Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock and the Museums Resource Centre in Standlake.

* Anyone knows of items that could be put in a town museum should call Mr Hessian on 01869 350662 or email info@blhs.org.uk