A golf club wants to stray from a historic right of way to keep walkers safe from cutting across its busy car park.

Members at West Bradford Golf Club, in Heaton, fear it is only a matter of time before a walker following the right of way is killed, despite drivers sticking to the 20mph limit.

Golf club member and footpath campaigner Peter Schofield is hoping that by getting walkers and locals on their side and signing a petition, the club in Chellow Grange Road will be able to persuade Bradford Council to let them shift the right of way, fencing off the car park and keeping walkers safe.

Four years ago the club lost £6,000 after an application to change the right of way was blocked by the Ramblers Association of Great Britain.

“All we want to do is keep walkers safe. We would put in a proper path round the side of the car park instead that would lead people on a much more scenic walk down through the trees into the woods and to the reservoirs.

“We’ll also be responsible for the upkeep – we’re willing to do that,” said Mr Schofield.

“We want to do it the diplomatic way by talking to people about it, raising the issue, raising awareness about the danger as it is.”

Kath Windett, Bradford Council’s senior rights of way officer, said: “Officers have met officials from the golf club to discuss the right of way which goes through the car park. With them we will be exploring ways to solve any issues which arise.”

A spokesman for the Ramblers Association said: “I presume the right of way was there long before the car park was. These changes can’t be made just because people sign a petition and say it’s okay. There are proper channels and procedures that have to be followed.”

Mr Schofield says the main danger is that walkers emerging from a tunnel-like snicket suddenly find themselves on the car park at the point where cars are coming in .

“There was already a youngster killed here about 30 years ago, we don’t want it to happen again. We’re having too many near misses. All it needs is for a walker to come out of that track, not pay attention and bang they’ll be dead,” he said.

Anyone wanting to sign Mr Schofield’s petition should go to the pro shop or club house.