Bingley residents are set to join a sponsored walk along the canal towpath to boost a fighting fund against a development of more than 400 homes.

Greenhill Action Group (GAG) has organised two walks along the Leeds Liverpool Canal, which will both end near Sty Lane, Micklethwaite.

Developers Bellway and Redrow have put in two planning applications to build a huge housing estate on the land next to the canal.

Graham Hey, a campaigner for GAG, said: “We are fighting the potential development of the green fields above the canal and want to show as many people as possible what effect it will have.

“We think it is ridiculous, given the number of brownfield sites in alternative locations, that anyone should be digging up a beautiful area which has served the community so well.”

He said the walk would highlight to people the impact the development would have on the area.

It will cause major disruption and a huge increase in traffic, say the campaigners, particularly over Micklethwaite bridge – earmarked by the developers as the main entrance to the site.

Mr Hey said the group wanted as many people as possible to join the walks on Sunday, May 15.

One is six miles from Silsden to the proposed development site next to Sty Lane.

A second two-mile walk will start at The Marquis of Granby pub in Riddlesden and will finish at the same site.

Both walks will end with refreshments at the Airedale Boat Club.

Members of GAG will collect signatures on a petition against the planned development and money for the fighting fund along the way.

That will pay planning and highways consultants for legal advice.

Mr Hey said: “The community has been very supportive so far because there is such feeling against the development.”

Anyone who wishes to help should contact Mr Hey at Heygrahamhey@btinternet.com or call (01274) 569599.

e-mail: marc.meneaud @telegraphandargus.co.uk.