Children in Bingley are fighting to save their oasis of greenery from developers.

They have designed posters protesting about Bradford Council's new draft Unitary Development Plan (UDP) which earmarks Crow Nest field and Jer Wood as a housing site.

The youngsters, aged from five to about ten, delivered their artwork to nearby homes urging residents to join their campaign.

The land, used as a recreational space, lies between Belgrave Road and Crownest Road up to the boundary wall with Priestthorpe Primary School.

Mark Goodwin, of Belgrave Road, said "The children got involved off their own backs and started doing some pictures of the trees with the words 'Help us save Jer Wood'. They feel very strongly about it.

"This urban green space has a variety of functions and it is an oasis of greenery in the midst of all these Victorian houses. If we lose this space the nearest place for the children to play is Myrtle Park and that means crossing the busy A650."

College tutor Mr Goodwin, 36, said the field is a play area and a popular route for walking dogs.

The wood is also a long-established home to a rookery and a variety of wildlife, including a fox and bats.

"So far about 200 people have collected forms from Bingley library to send in their objections to the Council but the deadline is fast approaching," said Mr Goodwin.

Objections to the UDP - the Council's planning blueprint which will guide development in the district over the next decade - should be sent to Bradford Council by August 7.

Housewife Susan Warnes of Crownest Lane said she had hoped her four-month-old son Oliver would grow up to play on the field.

Graham Carey, of Granville Terrace, has collected about 100 signatures to have a pre-Norman footpath through the field recognised as a right of way.

The action group set up a working party after 75 supporters attended a spontaneous public meeting last week. It has asked the Council to ensure the woodland is protected with a tree preservation order.

The site also takes in gardens and a derelict playground which residents would like to see revamped.

A Council planning spokesman said the site was identified in a survey of vacant and under-used land.

"Any objections which cannot be resolved will go to a public inquiry before an independent Government inspector," he said.