An "iconic" footbridge is at risk of demolition as Network Rail reapplies to bulldoze the historic structure.

In a bid to improve accessibility at Plumstead Railway station, Network Rail would dismantle the 1892 structure and build a modern replacement.

A previous attempt was thrown out by Greenwich Council, which said the development would detract from the character of the station.

Network Rail said its revised plan would improve access, and that the redesigned footbridge has been tailored to include lifts.

It said the new bridge would be in line with modern standards for over head lines, meaning the bridge has to be higher than it is.

According to the application: "The footbridge will link directly into the existing station building. Stairs will link the new footbridge to the station platforms.

"The existing access walkway located above platform 2 will be extended to link into the new footbridge. Following the construction of the new footbridge the existing footbridge and associated stairs will be demolished. "

Deborah O'Boyle, a member of the Positive Plumstead Project and Greenwich Industrial History Group, said the application fails to address problems raised in the first attempt.

She said: "Positive Plumstead Project welcomes moves to make Plumstead Station, situated in a deep cutting, more accessible and Matthew Pennycook MP’s endeavours in this respect are very much appreciated. Unfortunately, Network Rail appears to have taken a “one size fits all” approach and plans to erect an ugly, boxed-in bridge and to sacrifice the attractive Victorian structure.

"We believe that it is possible to incorporate much-needed lifts whilst retaining the iron structure.

"We are delighted to hear, today, that councillors in Glyndon Ward, where the station is situated, have added their support for retention of the Westwood bridge."

Paul Trethewey, an organiser of a Plumstead community Facebook page, added: "Accessibility improvement work to the station is welcome but I cannot see that any effort has been made to look at retaining the bridge and simply adding two lift shafts to the station rather chopping up the building in order to fit a generic new bridge in.

"Whilst accessibility improvements to Plumstead Station are most welcome wholesale removal of the iconic and historic footbridge is most certainly not."

The deadline to object to the application is on May 23.

Matthew Pennycook, MP for Greenwich and Woolwich, said he would welcome improved accessibility.

He said: “I value our local heritage and I would like to see all, or at least some of, the historical features of Plumstead Station retained as part of any accessibility improvements.

"Whether that is feasible or not remains to be seen but I fully support the plans to upgrade the station as part of Network Rail’s Access for All programme because the current layout makes access extremely difficult for those with disabilities, reduced mobility or with children”.

It is seen as a key part of the borough's industrial history, similar to a gasholder that is also under threat of demolition in east Greenwich.

Network Rail's application is currently being considered by planning officers at Greenwich Council.