The dispute between Network Rail and Oxford City Council over replacing the Grandpont footbridge could be solved by the authority helping to pay for ramps for the disabled, according to a senior councillor.

The rail infrastructure company wants to demolish and replace the Grandpont footbridge with a similar design altered for track electrification.

But Oxford City Council’s west area planning committee blocked the move in February because plans did not include ramps for pushchair and wheelchair access.

Network Rail maintains it lacks the funding to do so and has lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate.

West area planning committee chairman Oscar Van Nooijen said: “We are frustrated that Network Rail won’t accept our view on this, but discussions are ongoing.

“We may find a solution where the council can make contributions to the cost of the ramps.”