Refurbishment and strengthening works are proposed to the footbridge at Oakham Railway Station.

Network Rail has applied to Rutland Council to undertake the remedial work to the bridge, widely believed to date back to the 19th Century.

The railway station on Station Road came into use in 1848 as part of the Syston to Stamford line built by the East Midlands Railway Company. But the bridge did not appear on maps until 1904.

The planning application said: "Following investigative works, several defects have been identified including poor deck drainage, substandard parapet handrail system, rotten timber treads, corrosion of structural elements and sections of surface material loss."

It continued: "The footbridge is in clear need of refurbishment due to the defects identified, with the works essential in preventing the need for a full replacement."

Whilst the appearance of the footbridge after the repairs would change, Network Rail says the refreshed look and improved paintwork will create an "aesthetically pleasing appearance to the asset and its historic surroundings."

The application also said: "The proposed works will add a further change to the footbridge's evolving history and ensure its long-term viability."