A village's heritage could have its chips if developers get their way to demolish a 100-year-old takeaway, campaigners have claimed.

The Stony Lane chip shop in Eccleshill was once the haunt of world-famous Bradford artist David Hockney who grew up in the village.

The artist, who now lives in California, never forgot the shop and presented it with an early landscape sketch which used to hang behind the fryer but is now in a bank vault.

Worried campaigners are now rallying as much support as possible before a planning deadline on January 8.

Originally the deadline for any objections against plans to demolish the Top Fish Shop in Stony Lane and turn it into a block of four flats, was set for Christmas Day. But Bradford Council planning officials agreed to extend it after protesters got in touch.

The campaign is being led by Eccleshill Local History group as well as other organisations from the village including the Mechanics Institute and the working men's club.

History group secretary Frank Dickenson said it would be a sad loss for the village if the chip shop was replaced by flats.

"It would just destroy the whole character of the building. The two properties next to it are listed and behind it used to be where the old windmill stood and thatch cottages," he said.

"Then of course there's the David Hockney link that adds to its heritage value."

Campaigners are furious that a petition against a previous application by the same developers for the site is now null.

"It was only about a month ago that we did it. The developers withdrew their application but have come back with a bid to build four flats now. It means we've got just days to get a new petition up from scratch and with it being Christmas it gives the developers an unfair advantage," said Mr Dickenson.

Sharon Kaye took over the chip shop with husband Darren just weeks ago paying rent to Ilkley-based London Properties.

She said: "We only heard about the plans to demolish us from a customer. We've heard nothing from our landlords who are the ones putting in the plans. It's been a complete bombshell. We don't want to go. We've only just moved in."

A spokesman for Bradford Council said: "Anyone with views to make will be listened to."

People wanting to sign the new petition can either call in at the chip shop during opening hours or contact either Mr Dickenson on (01274) 584481 or Ann Bottomley on (01274) 776981.

London Properties declined to comment.