NETWORK Rail is to fight an Oxford City Council ruling that refused it permission to replace the railway footbridge linking South Oxford and South Hinksey.

The infrastructure company has appealed to the independent Planning Inspectorate after the council threw out the plan last month.

Councillors said the higher bridge, needed for electrification, should have ramps for the disabled.

Residents said the disabled cannot use the long flights of steps either side, which are also a major struggle for parents with buggies.

Network Rail says it cannot afford the extra expense of ramps and has included a track for bike wheels to help cyclists.

A petition calling for ramps attracted almost 450 signatures.