Residents today pledged to fight a proposed supermarket which they claim will "rip the heart out" of a village.

United Co-operatives have submitted planning applications to demolish the former Clayton Middle School and build a superstore on the site.

The school, on John Street, was closed as part of the reorganisation of education in Bradford.

Under the application, a new two storey building would be put up and a car-park with 51 spaces created. The plans would create nine full-time and 14 part-time jobs.

There would be up to seven commercial vehicle movements per day, 33 per week, with a maximum weight of 38 tonnes.

As the building lies in a conservation area, the firm has also applied for Conservation Area Consent to demolish it.

People living near the site have voiced their opposition to the plans and more than 50 people attended a meeting to discuss them.

An action group has also been formed to protest against the development.

Emma Lee, a resident of nearby Larchmont, said the access was not suitable because roads were congested already.

"Another problem is the demolition and the new building is not in keeping with the area," she said. "We understand the reasons for having a Co-op - we all use it - but not in the middle of a residential area."

But Peter Marks, chief executive of United Co-operatives, said the community could benefit greatly from the plans.

"We will do everything we can to minimise any inconvenience to residents, for example in terms of deliveries," he said. "If there are any remaining concerns from residents we will be happy to listen to them and discuss them."

Vince Palmer, of Thornaby Drive, said: "It's just a ridiculous place to build a supermarket - it's the oldest part of the village."

Neville Hilton, who lives on Larchmont, said he thought there were more appropriate sites in the village for a retail development.

"At the meeting the overall view was what the Co-op have applied to do is rip the heart out of Clayton," he said.

Councillor Elaine Byrom (Con, Clayton) said she would be objecting to the plans.

"It's already hazardous and these proposals could only make it worse," she said. "It's also stuck in the middle of two primary schools."