DUMBARTON community groups have linked up to oppose aspects of a proposed major housing development in the town.

Three local organisations say they're concerned about some elements of a plan to build on the site of the former St Michael's Primary School.

Proposals for a development of three, four and five-bedroom properties have been lodged by Slate Island Developments and Miller with West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC).

But Dumbarton West Community Action Group (DWCAG), Friends of Havoc Meadows and Friends of Dumbarton Foreshore have raised concerns over the proposals.

So far, more than 500 people have signed an online petition protesting at the plans.

The campaigners - describing themselves as the 'Clifftop Coalition' - claim the current proposals could rob them of their historical, geological and environmental areas.

They say the current plans will "damage Brucehill Cliff, home to local historic feature Wallace’s Cave, and destroy dozens of mature trees along the clifftop, with adverse knock-on effects to the much-loved Havoc meadows nature conservation area adjacent."

Members of the clifftop coalition claim the developers "want to excavate soil and rock directly behind the cliff and cave, leaving only a thin wedge of weakened rock with a lowered height."

Friends of Havoc Meadows spokeswoman Zoe Weir added: "The concerns are shared by local history group the Lennox Heritage Society, who say the cave is associated with historic lore tracing back many centuries.

"There is also dismay as well at the developers’ alleged refusal to save anything of the clifftop site’s disused Notre Dame chapel, notable for its beautiful stone carvings and remembered by locals as a place of peace and sanctuary.

"The clifftop trees are so important for our local wildlife. We’re asking the planning committee not to let the developers damage some of our best resources for the sake of a few extra houses on this site."

Barton Willmore, agents for the applicant, have been contacted for comment.