A NEW footbridge over the railway linking Osney Island with Oxford city centre has been officially opened.

The structure, which cost £860,000 to build, connects Mill Street and Becket Street via Osney Lane, taking pedestrians over the railway line and station car park.

Mum-of-two Frances Melvin, who lives in Barrett Street, joined with other local residents to serve cakes and refreshments to celebrate its official opening yesterday.

She said: “I am very excited.

“We used to spend hours up on the bridge watching the trains with great excitement, which the children love. It’s also a fantastic shortcut into Oxford and cuts a good five minutes off the walk.”

She said she and her children, Sarah,10, and Harry, seven, would use it all the time.

Network Rail originally planned to refurbish the bridge in August 2007 but due to its poor condition, with buckled and corroded steelwork and missing rivets, engineers decided it needed replacing.

A spokesman said the new bridge would have a 120-year life span.

Residents and rail workers are pictured cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony.