Walkers and cyclists joined horse riders in a demonstration against the forthcoming closure of an Oxford bridleway.

Car giant BMW won the right to close the thoroughfare through its Cowley works at a Magistrates Court hearing last month. Oxfordshire County Council, which brought the case, was the target of today’s demonstration, which also attracted local MPs.

The British Horse Society organised the protest against the closure, which landed the society with a legal bill for nearly £30,000 and the Ramblers’ Association lawyers’ and court costs of close to £20,000.

Riders say no provision for horses has been included in an alternative route which is to be set up.