A "hands off our moor" campaign has begun to halt a quarry extension.

Councillors and local people banded together when they learned permission was being sought to carry out exploratory drilling on Harden Moor Midgeham Cliff End Quarry Ltd, which is owned by Skipton Properties, has asked the land's owner, Bradford Council, to allow it onto the moor to look for Yorkshire blockstone - which is in short supply.

Bingley Conservative councillor, Mike Ellis, said he and other users of the moor were determined to fight the company's plans. He said the Shipley Area Planning Panel would hear the proposals on October 20.

He said: "We want to get across the message that this land is not for sale.

"The moor is the family silver' and should stay as it is because so many people use it."

He urged people concerned about the moor to attend the next Harden neighbourhood forum, in the village's primary school, next Thursday at 7.30pm.

Another meeting to debate the issue will take place in the Guide Inn on Keighley Road at 7.30pm on Tuesday.

Anne Bennett, a 44-year-old Cullingworth resident who walks her two dogs on the moor, said she was disturbed to hear about the quarry plans.

"It's early days yet but I'm alarmed to hear about anything that could spoil this spot. The council should be firm and say sorry - but this can not be touched'."

Skipton Properties managing director, Brian Verity, explained his firm had been given permission for a £60 million residential development at Grove Mills, Ingrow, which required Yorkshire blockstone.

"If we don't get it from Harden moor where else would we get it from?" he asked.

The managing director of the quarry company, Roger Sadler, pointed out the quarry was not a newcomer to the moor, adding most of Keighley and Harden were built with stone from beneath this land.

He said: "Planners want buildings constructed in this local coloured stone and that's what we're trying to do. There's always opposition to quarrying - no one wants us next door. But what's the alternative?"

He stressed regulations required the business to minimise disruption to residents and to restore quarried land to its original condition.

Mike Bell, head of Bradford Council's asset management department, encouraged people to attend the Harden neighbourhood forum to make their views heard.

He added: "The council will consider all the views expressed before the issue is referred to the Shipley Area Committee to be discussed by ward councillors.

"No decision will be made until after the public consultation is complete and councillors will take into account all the views expressed when making that decision."

People could also give their opinions by writing to Shipley Area Co-ordinator's Office at Shipley Town Hall, Kirkgate, Shipley, BD18 3EJ or by e-mailing shipleyareaneighbourhoodforums@bradford.gov.uk