Campaigners are fighting to save a Bingley garden built to commemorate the Queen's Silver Jubilee - which is under threat in her Golden Jubilee year.

The Jubilee Gardens, around Bingley's arts centre, could be transformed from a "nature haven" into a hard-landscaped centre square with seating areas.

The proposed project is part of a £1.1 million redevelopment scheme for the town to be discussed at a public meeting next week.

Environmentalists claim the scheme, proposed by Bradford Council, would destroy a green space which is of both historical and horticultural importance.

The Bradford Botany Group has surveyed the spot and discovered that the garden boasts 38 varieties of plant species, including some rare examples.

And members of the Bradford Urban Wildlife Group (BUWG) and the Aire Valley Conservation Group want the area protected as it was planted by prestigious horticultural company Hillier's of Winchester.

The area was designed by top gardener Roy Lancaster, who is a regular on BBC Radio 4's, Gardeners' Question Time.

Susan Stead, BUWG secretary, said the three environmental groups were working together in a bid to preserve the site.

"It's a nature haven and people in the town need to be made aware of its importance," she said.

"There are birds and butterflies and a wide range of trees and plants which includes two Walnut trees - one black, the other English. It's unique to see the two together."

Mrs Stead said the garden also included a number of Chestnut trees and some Oriental species.

"As it's the Golden Jubilee year surely we should be looking at planting more trees there not digging them up," she said.

Royalist Judith Watkinson, activities co-ordinator at Riverview Nursing Home in Ilkley where she recently organised a huge jubilee party, said she was horrified at the idea.

"I'm a great lover of the Royal family and I think this is disgusting," she said.

"It's the Queen's Golden Jubilee and we should be celebrating this, not thinking of tearing apart a garden commemorating her Silver Jubilee."

Youngsters from Priestthorpe Primary School visited the gardens yesterday to learn about the importance of the site.

Teacher Sharon Day said: "Many of the green areas in Bingley are disappearing. We took the children along to show them how special and lovely the gardens are."

A Bradford Council spokesman said: "We held consultations on the future of Bingley town centre, including Jubilee Gardens, throughout summer 2001, and there will be a further round of consultations later this year.

"We are open to any ideas and no decision has been taken, nor will it be until after the next round of consultations."

Proposals for the site evolved from a range of workshops and a Council questionnaire circulated to 2,000 residents.

The gardens were opened by Lord Mayor Councillor Paul Hockney in 1977 when he referred to them as "a jewel in the crown of the Bradford district".

The proposed project will be discussed at a Bingley Neighbourhood Forum meeting at the arts centre on Wednesday, June 26, at 7.30pm.