A heritage railway says it will have to close unless a developer gives ground.

The Cholsey and Wallingford Railway Preservation Society currently operates a heritage line next to the Pauls Malt site in Wallingford where Linden Homes plans to build a new housing estate.

The company already has agreed to allow the CWRPS to use some of the development site for railway purposes.

But under HM Railway Inspectorate rules the railway now needs more space to be able to operate safely.

The chairman of CWRPS, Jo Clyde, said: "We have to object to the developer's plans at this stage, although we think it could easily meet our demands with slight amendments."

The demands include:

A further slice of land eastwards so access track is less steep

Extending track a few feet on to the site to improve a safety 'catchment point'

Moving a signal box for better visibility

"And if a commuter link is to be built in future, we would need still more land on the other side of the tracks, which is owned by Pipe Investments, and customer demand would have to be assessed", added Ms Clyde.

In a show of unity, Wallingford Town Council voted on Monday to object to the developer's plan until CWRPS' "recognised needs are met".

The council also stated it welcomed the housing scheme in principle and recognised the extent of the public consultation carried out by Linden Homes, but it would object to the plans until:

The future up-keep of the housing estate's open spaces is agreed with town and district councils

Linden Homes makes an appropriate contribution to the cost of re-locating the ABM sports and social club

Council-owned land is excluded

The plans now will be considered by South Oxfordshire District Council.