Bradford Council representatives were heckled and jeered last night as more than 150 residents, opposing plans for a children's home in East Morton near Bingley packed into a highly-charged meeting.

Villagers said they would not allow their children out to play if the home was built.

They asked how Council representatives would "keep in" the youngsters in the home and whether friends would be allowed to visit. Some suggested the children be put into High Royds, the former psychiatric hospital in Menston. Resident Betty Gill asked: "What sort of children - young offenders, autistic, lame, cripples or what?"

Kath Tunstall, head of children's services, said: "We have 845 children in the care of the local authority. They are victims of abuse or neglect. They're not involved in drugs, not offenders.

"They are ordinary children, in care through no fault of their own. They do all the normal activities that young children do and have at least two staff with them. These are care homes, not secure units or remand homes."

Mrs Tunstall offered to show them a video of children in care, but villagers shouted that they did not want to see it.

The Council hopes to care for eight children aged between ten and 16 at a new home in Carr Bank, East Morton.

Last month, Bradford's executive committee also agreed to new children's homes at Sowden House, Thornton, Netherlands Square, Low Moor, Allerton Hall, Allerton, and the Owlett Centre, Shipley.

The Low Moor and East Morton homes need planning permission.

Deborah Longbottom, organiser of last night's meeting, said: "We have spoken to a barrister in London. There is a view we can go for a judicial review.

"Do we allow the Council to do what they are doing or do we fight? We believe there has been a real maladministration with how the process has gone through."

Councillor Malcolm Slater (Keighley North, Lab), who chaired the meeting, outlined options of appealing to a judge in court or taking their case to an ombudsman.

Residents agreed to strongly consider the options.

Villagers claim East Morton is not suitable because it is isolated, and has little public transport and no children's facilities.

The Council wants sites in the district so children aren't sent as far away as Cornwall or Scotland. David Miller, chairman of East Morton Society, said: "Yes, they have to go somewhere - but we have to say that East Morton is not suitable."

Meanwhile, Low Moor residents can meet social services managers and councillors in coming weeks to discuss plans for Netherlands Square.

There will be two surgeries at Aldersgate Methodist Church, Common Lane, between 5.30 and 7pm on Tuesday, August 19, and Monday, September 8. There will be a neighbourhood forum at the same venue on Thursday, August 28, from 7pm to 9pm.

Councillor Kris Hopkins, executive member for the community, said: "There are many misconceptions about children's homes and the young people who are cared for."