I would love to get a new footbridge built across the River Thames near Osney Lock in Oxford, as suggested by Geoffrey and Wilmine Winstone (Oxford Mail, September 1).

But it would cost about £1m of taxpayers' money. Surely it would be better to negotiate public use of the existing crossing?

The lock gates can presumably be made safer and young children would need to be supervised by the river, of course, but most local people feel that Botley Road is much more dangerous than a river crossing, especially for cyclists.

They are desperate for an alternative route to the city centre.

Susanna Pressel (Councillor)

Jericho and Osney ward

Oxford City Council