Shipley residents fear a wildlife haven in a conservation area will become a magnet for vandals and drug-users.

The residents of Wharncliffe Road and Norwood Avenue formed the Red Beck Mill Pond Conservation Group last year when the owner of the land, John Jakes, partially drained the pond.

Planning permission to build a block of flats on the land was rejected and residents were jubilant.

But now they fear the former beauty spot, which used to attract fish, birds and other animals, will attract vandals.

Resident Boyd Riddlesden said: "People have lived here for a long time, some have been here nearly 50 years and they moved here because of the pond. To see it like it is now is heartbreaking."

The residents want to ensure that the pond is restored to its former glory, but fear a further application may be submitted.

Mr Riddlesden said: "It used to be so beautiful. Now that planning permission for flats has been rejected, we want it back as a fully functional pond. The pond was not accessible before and had a lot of wildlife. Now the area is accessible for cats and dogs which is dangerous for the existing wildlife."

Councillor David Ford (Green, Shipley West) is backing the residents. "I have written to the Environment Agency about the pond and they objected to the redevelopment on the grounds that it would be an unacceptable loss of a water-based habitat and traditional landscape feature.

"We want to resolve the situation as quickly as possible."

Mr Jakes declined to comment.