The day traders marched to save Leeds Kirkgate Market

Do you remember the march back in September 1985?

They marched through the streets of Leeds city centre from the market all the way to Civic Hall in September 1985 to make their point over the proposed £60m development plan.

Changing Leeds - The night Kirkgate Market was devastated by fire

They were angry at an all-party backing for a scheme submitted by Dutch developers MAB, which would have seen the market absorbed into a new shopping and leisure complex.

Eddie Cornell, chair of the traders’ association, said they had 75,000 signatures on a petition calling for the plans to be abandoned.

The campaign was backed by singer Ronnie Hilton and former and Mgr Michael Buckley, priest of nearby St Peter’s from 1950-1966.

Pictured on the march - at front from left - were: Mrs Joan Hilton, Ronnie Hilton, Mgr Michael Buckley, Harry Higgins, chairman of Leeds Outdoor Stallholders Group, and Eddie Cornell, chairman of Leeds Market Tenants and traders Association, together with other angry stallholders and members of the public.

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