A cycling pressure group is calling on Network Rail to replace steps with a ramp at a railway bridge in west Oxford as part of a £170,000 refurbishment.

Cyclox wants the company to improve cycling and disabled access at the footbridge which links Osney Lane and Mill Street, to provide a safer alternative to using Botley Road.

Network Rail plans to repaint and strengthen the steel structure next year, but the steps will stay the same, although it said it would welcome suggestions for other improvements.

Simon Banks, spokesman for the west Oxford branch of Cyclox, said the footbridge was an important link across the railway line in Oxford. He said: "At present it can only be used by able pedestrians climbing steep steps.

"With ramps at each end, prams, pushchairs and cycles laden with city centre shopping could also use this route, rather than travelling below the highly intimidating and lethal Botley Road railway bridge."

Mr Banks said the bridge could also form part of a proposed new cycle link between west Oxford and the city centre.

He added: "Similar railway footbridges have been converted in Coventry and Notting Hill. This may be possible in Oxford, saving Network Rail repair funds yet getting something more usable by a wider community."

Janet Mace, manager of the Oxford Council of Disabled People, said a self-operated lift would be more useful than a ramp.

She said: "I can understand the cyclists' point of view, but wheelchair users would not want to use a ramp."

Michael Collins, Liberal Democrat councillor for Osney and Jericho, gave his "wholehearted" support to Cyclox's suggestion.