Campaigners are battling to keep up to £100,000 for vital play equipment within a Bradford village after an alternative site was deemed peripheral.

Youngsters in Cottingley collected 1,000 signatures in favour of their scheme for a skateboard park on the recreation ground off Manor Drive in 2002.

But despite massive support, a 100-plus signature petition from residents living near the ground sparked a report by Bradford Council which predicted noise levels would be too high.

Objectors said the scheme, spearheaded by 14-year-old Bingley Grammar School pupil Karl Hellens, would mean loss of green space, vandalism, noise and a drop in house prices.

Now the former playing fields of Cottingley Manor Primary School, next to Cannons Health Club, in Cottingley New Road, Nab Wood, has been suggested by the Council for a multi-use games area.

But Cottingley Community Association vice-chairman Tony Roche said the idea was too far removed from the initial plan.

And he said the site was also at least one mile away from the far side of the village.

"There's a lot of money on the cards for recreational facilities in Cottingley and we have to make sure this money is used for the people of Cottingley," he said. "We need a central facility and youngsters I have spoken to, including those who initiated the first petition, have said the Cannons site is too far away plus it's a remote."

Funding was secured, with a major injection from a new housing development in Cottingley New Road, and another sum of about £20,000 is expected from a development of the former Cottingley First School, in School Street.

Mr Roche said the new plan was to develop the present recreation ground to offer something for everyone.

"We could create two paths around the field by the Guide hut," he said. "One would be level for walkers, people in wheelchairs and parents with buggies, while the other would rise and fall to allow youngsters to practice jumps on their bikes or skateboards."

It also suggests building a hard-surfaced football area surrounded by walls of tyres.

A Council parks and landscapes spokesman said: "A questionnaire has been produced with Cottingley Youth Project and this will soon be circulated to every home in the village asking for people's views on re-siting the skate park on the former Cottingley Manor School playing fields.

"However, we would be happy to work with residents, the Neighbourhood Forum and Cottingley Community Association on any other ideas they may have for the village recreation ground."