Plans for three bridges over a new high-speed railway line are likely to be refused.

Railtrack wants to close three footpaths across the Oxford-Banbury line for safety reasons when Sir Richard Branson introduces his 125mph cross-country trains.

But Cherwell district councillors are being advised to refuse permission for three bridges to replace the paths at Yarnton, Kidlington and Hampton Gay and Poyle.

Officers say the plans go against council and Railtrack policy by providing poor access for disabled people.

The crossing at Yarnton, near Stonehouse Farm in Woodstock Road, brought objections from villagers.

They argued that a bridge would be an eyesore and was not needed as only four people had been seen crossing the line at that point in the past year.

There were also fears that the bridge would encourage crime, providing an escape route for criminals targeting industrial buildings in Cassington Road.

Another concern was that the bridge would be unsuitable for cyclists, parents with pushchairs and old people.

Kidlington Parish Council argued that a bridge at Roundham level crossing would attract vandals and would be unsuitable for the old and infirm.

Objectors to the crossing at Hampton Gay and Poyle claimed it would harm the Grade II listed St Giles Church and harm a conservation area.

A Railtrack spokesman said: "We want to put footbridges in these places for safety reasons. If the plans are refused we will be either appealing or looking at alternative measures."