Sir – Your paper has been covering the discussions over redevelopment of the former railway land at Oxpens.

While it seems that providing Oxford with a new purpose-built station at Oxpens may be unaffordable, we should not miss the chance to secure another key transport link.

Building a new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists from the south-east corner of this site across the River Thames to link directly in to the Osney Mead estate and towpath would achieve two major objectives. Firstly, it would provide an attractive and long overdue final link to the city centre for pedestrians and cyclists from Botley, North Hinksey and beyond, avoiding the Botley Road (and the notorious railway bridge).

Secondly, it would provide a link in to the city centre for all those who work at, or visit, premises on the Osney Mead estate. Currently, they are very poorly served by public transport, but better access to the centre would open up a new range of public transport options and become even more attractive when the wider redevelopment of the West End and Westgate takes place.

The number of cars on the city’s road network would be reduced, particularly on Botley Road.

Who knows, we might even find some Oxford Mail and The Oxford Times staff choosing to leave their cars at home. It is vital that the city council secures the future of this link in its negotiations.

Noel Newson, Sunningwell