The bridge links Roger Dudman Way with River Thames towpath, writes Christopher Gray

I was dismayed to see while out on a bike ride in the weekend sunshine that there are plans to take down the useful footbridge that links Roger Dudman Way, next to Oxford station, with the River Thames towpath. Fixed to it are a number of notices (see above) urging people to sign a petition (gopetition.com/petitions/save-the-footbridge.html) to press for it to remain.

Having checked with our ever-helpful local councillor, Susanna Pressel, however, I was pleased to find the situation is not quite as I feared. The bridge is a temporary structure erected by Oxford University after it closed Roger Dudman Way during work on the notorious student flats beside Port Meadow. It is on land belonging to developer Mr Tariq Khuja. He has already built two blocks of his own close by and now has a scheme for a third — so far without planning consent — where the bridge stands.

Susanna is hoping that the bridge can be kept in position until a permanent replacement is completed. The city council has money for this from the university, and the structure has already been designed.

Susanna told me: “This bridge is extremely well used and badly needed. Local people would be upset if it were to be removed before a replacement has been put in place. There is funding to do the job. We hope that Mr Khuja will allow this to happen.” So do I.