Campaigners have made a last ditch call for help as they prepare their latest efforts to prevent more than 170 homes being built in their village.

Members of Menston Action Group are leading a bid to have land at Derry Hill granted Village Green status by Bradford Council.

If granted, it would make development on the land virtually impossible, and should override planning permission handed to developers Barratt Homes in February to construct up to 174 homes on the greenbelt site.

Now organisers of the bid, which will be heard at an independent public inquiry believed to be scheduled in Menston for August, are finalising their submissions and are calling on any villagers who have information about the usage of Derry Hill during the past 20 years and beyond to come forward.

In order for Village Green status to be granted, an applicant has to prove a site has been used by residents for two decades for recreation, sports and games.

The Commons Act 2006 states land can be registered as a town or village green where “a significant number of the inhabitants of any locality, or of any neighbourhood within a locality, have indulged as of right in lawful sports and past-times on the land for a period of at least 20 years.”

Steve Ellams, who has been compiling evidence for the action group, says he believes the community can win.

“I am pleased to say that the response has been as expected from Menston residents and the amount of material has been very encouraging,” he said.

“The amount of material evidence is very compelling.

“I believe Menston community can win the village green argument.”

Anyone with any information is asked to e-mail Steve Ellams at s.ellams1@ btinternet.com or call (01943) 496569.

The campaigners are hoping to ultimately follow in the footsteps of residents in Burley-in-Wharfedale, who saw Burley House Field granted Village Green status in 2009 following a battle lasting almost a decade and three separate public inquiries.