They fought a long battle to try and stop developers on a green site in Huddersfield.

And now the Clayton Fields Action Group hope to nurture a new community spirit in the area.

The group has pledged to continue even though a court ruling has apparently cleared the way for developers to move on to the beauty spot between Edgerton and Birkby.

Some preparatory work has already taken place on the site and it is expected plans for housing will be submitted in the near future.

Now after another meeting in the Ukrainian Club in Edgerton Road, the group has vowed to carry on with a bid to keep the community together.

Bill Magee, who with the late Mike Hardy set up the group to try and stop developers taking over the site more than 17 years ago, said: “I did suggest that because we had built up such a good community spirit in and around Clayton Fields, perhaps we could continue under a different guiise to keep the community together.

“Our meeting was successfui and was attended by our patron, Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman, who encouraged our group to continue with the same spirits as the Clayton Fields Action Group.

Save Clayton Fields campaigners Bill McGee and Mike Hardy with letter informing them they may have to pay the costs of legal action against land owners Paddico.
Save Clayton Fields campaigners Bill McGee and Mike Hardy with letter informing them they may have to pay the costs of legal action against land owners Paddico.

“We are planning our first event this Sunday, August 31, to see if the local community still care.

“We have organised a family day, a barbecue and a musical event from 12.30pm at the Ukrainian Club. Stuart Bethel has taken charge of the entertainment and we expect a good spread of singers, musicians and storytellers, along with market and craft fair stalls and games for the children”.“

Developers Paddico took the Clayton Fields case to the Supreme Court after the site had previously been granted village green status.

They are anxious to pursue a plan for 55 homes which dates back to 1967.