The news that there are potentially scores of unknown derelict and disused brownfield sites in and around Bradford at a time when pressure is increasing for greenfield sites to be developed has served as a spur to galvanise the community into action.

Groups fighting to stop encroaching building work on open spaces in their communities have united. And the Telegraph & Argus has today joined forces with them to set in motion an unprecedented DIY survey of available development sites in the district.

Bradford Council admitted last week that it did not know how much derelict land was available, having not carried out a sur vey since 1999.

But rather than just voicing their anger and frustration, members of Heaton Township Association decided to take more decisive action.

And when they approached us for our support, we were delighted to give our full backing to the idea of a community survey.

It is important now that as much of the wider community as possible gets involved.

Anyone who is aware of a site that has been left derelict or disused can complete our form and have it added to the list.

No one is claiming that every building or plot that is included will be suitable for development.

But even the most cursory visual survey on a drive around the district reveals many brownfield sites that have been simply left to rot.

How can some of these not be a better alternative for housing than simply concreting over our fields and open spaces?

There are pressures for housing development; that cannot be denied. But using precious greenfield sites when we have so little information about brownfield alternatives is simply unacceptable. And by looking at this derelict land and empty mills, factories, shops and pubs we can not only preserve green space, but also breathe life back into previously disused urban areas.