A group of protesters are camping out in Black Carr Woods in Tyersal, Bradford, to prevent work they claim will destroy the ancient woodland environment.

Bradford Council had begun the redevelopment of a network of paths and bridleways in the wood, but workmen were halted today when protesters, unhappy at the hardcore building material being used, called in environmental wardens from Holme Wood and police.

The group is taking 100 samples of the material, which it believes to contain petro-chemicals poisonous to the woodland, for toxicology analysis.

Steven Drake, a member of the Friends of Black Carr Woods group, says the protesters will maintain their peaceful protest until a compromise with the Council is reached.