CAMPAIGNERS have called in lawyers to help them fight the expansion of a textile firm on to Mirfield playing fields.

The Save West Mills Action Group has sought legal advice to establish the status of a legal covenant on West Mills playing fields at Battyeford.

The site, off Huddersfield Road, was left to the former Mirfield Urban Council by the Community of the Resurrection in 1970, on condition that it was used only for recreational purposes.

The action group is hoping solicitors will confirm that the covenant means Mirfield firm John Cotton cannot expand on to the land.

The firm has expressed an interest in the site, but has not yet submitted a planning application to Kirklees Council.

Battyeford Sporting Club is planning to build a clubhouse and changing rooms at the playing fields.

The club already has permission for this and has submitted a bid for £400,000 from the Football Association.

Club chairman Keith Johnson submitted a 4,5000-name petition opposing the John Cotton plans.

Letters of objection to the firm's plans have also flooded in to Kirklees.

Petitions are still available to sign in various Mirfield shops and community venues or on www.battyeford.co.uk

The action group is meeting at 7pm next Monday, in the Maru International on Ravensthorpe Industrial Estate.