Hundreds of protesters have given the message to Bradford Council that they do not want a new children's home in their village.

Campaigners against the development have now collected 900 names on a petition against proposals to use empty Sowden House in Thornton for the home.

And Conservative ward councillor Valerie Binney has called in a decision by the executive committee to progress with the scheme for further scrutiny.

Coun Binney has had the item put on the agenda of the social care and housing scrutiny committee next month. Protesters are expected to attend the meeting.

Campaigner Dale Town said: "The criteria for children's homes set out by Social Services is not met by Sowden House in terms of size, proximity to the main road, and fit with the local community." He pointed out that there were also few amenities for young people in Thornton and GPs and dentists were under constant pressure.

The council's corporate parenting panel will also consider an update of proposals for five new children's homes in the district - including Sowden House - next Tuesday at City Hall.

The proposals for another proposed home - at Carr Lane, East Morton - have also sparked anger in the community and campaigners there are collecting a petition. The three other proposed homes are at Owlet Centre, Shipley; Allerton Hall, Allerton Lane; and Netherland Square, Low Moor.

They were chosen by officers as the most suitable after a shortlist of 50 sites.

Complaints that there was insufficient consultation on the proposals have been made in both villages as the fight to stop the homes escalates. Alison O'Sullivan, director of social services, will tell the corporate parenting panel next week that council surgeries which local people can attend to get more information are being arranged at East Morton.

She will report that a survey of the building at Thornton has been completed but families in the immediate vicinity are opposed to the development and discussions will be held with them.

The decision to provide more homes has been made after the council held a review of services two years ago which highlighted a shortage of homes.

The report said the lack of facilities was bad for children who had to be placed outside Bradford and the Council was paying large amounts for their care.

Councillor Kris Hopkins, executive member for community, said at the executive committee that the Council had a duty to provide a quality and supportive environment for children in care.