AROUND 130 people took part in a community walk at Silsden in opposition to proposals for a new road and housing estate in the town.

The walkers took to footpaths that could be lost if the planning application for an ‘enabling road’ is approved by Bradford Council planners.

They also walked near fields that the road would serve, which have been earmarked for up to 500 houses.

The event was organised by the recently-formed Campaign Group for the Countryside to demonstrate opposition to the potential loss of popular fields and footpaths.

The group afterwards expressed delight at the level of support for the walk, despite leaden skies and occasional downpours throughout the afternoon.

The walkers ranged in age from three years old to a woman in her 80s, and included ward councillor Rebecca Whitaker and several members of Silsden Town Council.

They took a route from Silsden Park, through fields to Swartha and over to ancient Brown Bank Lane.

Caroline Whitaker and Cathy Liddle, leading lights of the campaign, issued a joint statement.

They said: “We were anxious about numbers as the weather deteriorated – but local residents turned out in force and there was a brilliant and positive atmosphere all along the way.

“We realise that demonstrating alone will not win our case but, coupled with the research we are undertaking and the goodwill of so many people, we are all determined to present a really excellent case for saving our beautiful countryside.”

The Campaign Group said that since 2012 more than 600 new homes had been built in rural areas of the town, or were confirmed in the pipeline.

The group said this figure made a substantial inroad into the present target for Silsden of 1,200 new homes by 2030.

“The launch of Silsden’s Campaign reflects the overwhelming local opposition to the additional proposed development in the Bolton Road/Hawber Lane/Swartha district, where fields and popular footpaths, an ancient country lane, trees and hedgerows, and an array of wildlife, would be decimated under the terms of the plan.”

After the walk, tea and home-made cakes were served at the town hall, where plans and maps were available to view.

The group has set up a Facebook page and is looking for photographs and wildlife findings to be recorded there.