Ramblers have welcomed improvements made to popular Oxford footpaths which connect green spaces in Old Marston and the university parks.

Following requests from walkers, stiles in the area have been replaced by gates to make the paths easier to access.

The Old Marston footpaths lead to the Victoria Arms pub.

One of the groups requesting the work was The Ramblers Association and spokesman Tony Dale said: “There is a surprisingly large number of green paths within Oxford city and the Ramblers Association has been pressing for improved access and signposting.

"Recent improvements by the county council in the much-used Lower Cherwell Valley area, between the ring road and the University Parks, are to be applauded.

“There is still work to be done and we look forward to future co-operation with the county council's Countryside Service, as they unlock the potential of our city's green paths to residents and visitors, young and old alike.”

The footpaths nearest University Parks run through New Marston Meadows, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, meaning that work has to be carried out together with landowners and Natural England, to ensure that local wildlife is protected.

Rodney Rose, the county council's cabinet member for transport, said: “We want to capitalise on the unique opportunities that green spaces offer in Oxford and make sure that they can be accessed by as many residents as possible.

“These improvements are a positive step in this direction and we encourage people to go out and try the routes.”

The path improvements were jointly funded by the county council and the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment.

TOE gave £1,376 towards the project through a county council-initiated scheme called Places for People, which helps community projects.