Residents in Woodkirk vented their anger after an explosion at a chemical works threatened their homes.

People living in the Leeds suburb were so incensed they threatened to withhold their rates until all companies dealing with toxic chemicals were removed from the area.

They also demanded a full public inquiry into the explosion at the Universal Freight Organisation's warehouse, which sent half a million gallons of chemicals into local rivers.

More than 350 residents packed into Woodkirk Church to demand answers.
But they were were told by councillors there would be no public inquiry and that the Health and Safety Executive would instead investigate the matter.

Among the chemicals released into the environment as a result of the blast was Paraquat, a chemical used for killing plants, which is also toxic to humans if swallowed.

THE HEADLINES

Doncaster Rugby League Club abandoned plans to for an organised streak in a bid to boost average attendance figures of around 600. The club placed an advert in the local press asking for women with 42-inch chests, to which some 30 responded, indicating they would be willing to go topless on the pitch. The club only scrapped the plans after talks with the police.

Shows on TV included comedy series Terry and June, snooker programme Pot Black, US satire M.A.S.H, UK serial Minder, Top of the Pops with John Peel and panel game show Call My Bluff, with Frank Muir.

Ever-happy Mirfield postman John Hepworth was left a £300 bequest by one of his customers. Mr Hepworth was left the money in the will of Edward Albert Page in appreciation for his "ever cheerful smile and pleasant good mornings." Mr Hepworth, who had recently retired from the job, said: "I really enjoyed my job."

Three replacement 'radomes' were ordered for the North York Moors RAF base at Fylingdales, part of the West's early warning missile defence system run by America. Leon Brittan, MP for Cleveland and Whitby, asked that local labour be used to complete the work but was informed a specialist firm from Boston, America, had been awarded the contract.

Leeds pubs were given the all clear by magistrates to open until 11pm, instead of 10.30pm, on Fridays and Saturdays.

The late Sir Freddie Laker, the man who famously brought cheap air travel to the masses, announced the collapse of his pioneering airline, Lakers. Laker, who died in February 2006, was said to be distraught at the news, as was then PM Maggie Thatcher. In fact, the shock announcement even affected the value of the pound, which slumped against the dollar from $1.87 to $1.80. The collapse left 6,000 passengers stranded and the company in £270m of debt.

'What a bore?' read the headline of the Green Post on February 6, after Leeds drew 0-0 with Coventry City at Elland Road. Fans gave their verdict on the "scrappy" game with a slow handclap.

More than 18 miles of scaffolding was put up around the tower in the Merrion Centre after masonry fell off. Mosaics on the tower were due to be replaced by metal strips to prevent the problem recurring.

THE GOSSIP

Leeds United football legend Billy Bremner won £100,000 in libel damages against the Sunday People, one of the highest amounts ever awarded by the High Court. Bremner, then 39, who was manager of Doncaster Rovers had been falsely accused by the paper of receiving bribes in order to 'fix' matches.

Julian Lennon, son of murdered Beatle John Lennon, was fined £40 after being caught drinking in a remote Welsh forest and lighting a fire. The 18-year-old admitted criminal damage to Forestry Commission property during the party with about 16 other people. In his defence, his lawyer said Lennon was "not a wastrel".

Comedian Alexei Sayle was in the news after he controversially made jokes about the Princess of Wales and swore on late night ITV show OTT, produced by Chris Tarrant. Mr Tarrant, who had turned down the chance to make a second series, was quoted as saying: "When this run is over at the end of March, I'm going to disappear and lie on a beach. Then I'll do a couple of commercials in May. I'm in no hurry to do more OTT."

THE WORLD

US Vice President George Bush Snr was shaken after his motorcar was hit by a bullet on his way to the White House. Secret Service spokesman Jack Warner said Mr Bush's limousine was hit in the roof and part of the vinyl covering was torn off. Bush, then 57, had become vice president in November 1980 and briefly took over the running of the US after President Reagan was shot in an attempted assassination.

The DeLorean car factory in Belfast was put into receivership by its US parent company. The cars were made famous after they appeared in Back to the Future, driven by Michael J Fox.

The oil platform Ocean Ranger sank during a storm off the coast of Newfoundland, killing all 84 workers aboard.

Japan Airlines Flight 350 crashed in Tokyo Bay on approach to Tokyo International Airport, killing 24 of the 174 people on board.

AND FINALLY...

Motorists calling in to Thwaite Gate Service Station just off the M1 in Hunslet were asked to pay £1 if they wanted directions. Staff at the garage put up the signs in a bid to deter people asking for directions, reckoned to be five every hour. The move did not go down well with locals, who described the move as "mercenary". Incidentally, the price of a gallon of four-star at the time was £1.46, which equates to 32p a litre.