This was Leeds in 2003. An extensive consultation exercise followed in the months ahead before bosses gave their stamp of approval to close the historic branch which had first opened in 1896. It was an announcement greeted with anger and dismay by campaigners who had voiced opposition to the closure plans. 2003 was also a 12 months which saw the city deal with a sticky situation and featured a number of 'what goes up must come down' demolitions. Enjoy these photos, a mix from the YEP archive and others published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service, charting a year in the life of your city. READ MORE: 18 photos to take you back to Leeds in 2002 LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
13. Leeds city centre
A performance by the Sing Live Northern choir outside Leeds Civic Hall in November 2003.. The choir performed as part of a ceremony celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Ark Royal receiving the Freedom of the City of Leeds. In the foreground is John Morris, conductor and founder of Sing Live. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
14. Swarcliffe
Demolition under way of the high-rise flats of Ash Tree Grange, with a crane taking apart the top storeys of this 12-storey building, located off Swarcliffe Avenue. In the foreground are houses on Ash Tree Bank, also now demolished. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
15. Guiseley
Aireborough Leisure Centre in October 2003. It was built in the late 1960s. The Sports Hall incorporates a Bodyline gym and facilities for football, badminton, basketball and squash. There is also a 25 metre pool and a climbing wall. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
16. Cross Green
The Bridgefield pub at the junction of Cross Geen Lane (left) and Pontefract Lane pictured in August 2003. The pub is boarded up and in a state of disrepair. Despite plans to refurbish it at one point, all attempts to save it came to nothing as it was eventually demolished. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
17. Bardsey
A memorial plaque on the wall of Bardsey Church, dedicated to the men of the parish who gave their lives in the two World Wars. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
18. Leeds city centre
The old Royal Mail Office on Wellington Street was being demolished in July 2003. | Simon Hulme Photo: Simon Hulme