WALKERS, cyclists and horse riders objecting to plans to close a bridleway which cuts through the the Cowley BMW plant, have been given a date to make their case in court.

Members of Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet agreed to apply to the court for Roman Way, off Horspath Road, a bridleway which links to it and a section of footway along Garsington Road, to be "stopped-up".

BMW hopes to replace the route with a new footpath and cycleway - which would be 1.5km longer and follow part of the Eastern by-pass.

The decision on whether to close the right of way will now be decided at Witney Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, July 24. The hearing is expected to last four days.

Troth Wells, of Oxford Area Bridleways Association (OABA), condemned the decision to hear the case in Witney, saying it made it harder for people to object in person.

She said: "It is difficult enough for people who are working or volunteers to find the time to appear in the Oxford court as witnesses never mind having to get out to Witney.

"But since it is so important for people to register their objections, we will try to arrange transport for people who cannot make their own way."

The OABA, Ramblers' Association and other groups argue that many local people may not realise the implications of the proposed closure of the path.