CAMPAIGNERS are calling on Bradford Council to buy a whole Keighley valley to protect it from housing.

Bandag wants the cash-strapped authority to acquire the complete North Beck area to stop developers stepping in.

Members say the move would preserve a much-loved ‘blue-green’ corridor and fulfil their long-term ambition of a footpath network linking central Keighley with the Pennine Way.

Bandag, which campaigns to protect greenfield sites across the town, particularly wants to see the disused Stells mill site between Fell Lane and Braithwaite brought into public ownership.

But Bradford councillors representing Keighley West ward – where the valley lies – have accused the campaigners of wishful thinking in a time of austerity.

District councillor Adrian Farley said: “In the real world, given the scale of the cuts the council has to make and the demand for services, it’s not really feasible.

“We’re struggling to maintain what we have to do legally without taking on vanity projects.”

Cllr Farley said he would support Bandag’s plan if the group could find money from other sources to buy land in the valley.

Fellow ward councillor, Brian Morris, agreed that the North Beck valley should be protected from housing.

But he added: “It’s not a perfect world.

"Bradford Council doesn’t have the money to go out and buy-up the whole valley.

“I’m sure the area will be built on at some stage, as long as they keep development a good distance from the valley and the river.”

Cllr Morris said he would give “100 per cent support” for a network of footpaths stretching along the entire North Beck valley.

The valley runs from the moors above Newsholme Dene and Laycock to the bottom of Oakworth Road.

The Woodland Trust charity manages Holme House Woods, and Keighley Town Council has recently planted trees on former allotment land it owns below Braithwaite.

Bandag, which claims to have 650 supporters, made its demand for the valley’s protection in its extensive response to Bradford Council’s consultation on its Local Plan.

Bandag’s submission states: “The whole valley should be bought to meet national and district policy and strategy.

“There is an unrepeatable opportunity to do this as all the valley is currently unoccupied. The cost to create the gateway to the Pennine Way would be relatively cheap.”

Bandag believes some landowners may be willing to sell their sites because land is allegedly contaminated, in a flood zone or unsuitable for housing.