1928 was the year Britain's first permanent set of traffic lights were installed and the chosen location? The junction of Bond Street and Park Row in Leeds city centre. The photo is one of 15 charting a year in the life of the city centre. It was also a 12 months which featured the city centre spruced up for Civic Week, a city-wide programme of events including young people's rallies, open days at industrial premises, schools and colleges and municipal departments, and processions through the city centre. Banners and bunting were draped across the streets and the flags of European countries were hung outside buildings. The images are a mix from the YEP archive and others published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks. READ MORE: Astonishing photos of Leeds city centre during the 1920s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
7. Leeds city centre in 1928
Edward Place with a streetlamp in the centre. A bus can be seen in the background. Pictured in September 1928. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
8. Leeds city centre in 1928
Albion Street at the junction with Guildford Street, the premises of Leeds and Holbeck Permanent Building Society. Pictured in October 1928. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Leeds city centre in 1928
Lower Headrow in September 1928 Looking at north west side, vacant properties. In the centre, entrance to Atkinsons Court and Kings Arms Yard. This was prior to demolition for improvement. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
10. Leeds city centre in 1928
Lower Briggate in September 1928. September 1928 View looking north west, prior to widening and redevelopment of The Headrow. From right, number 17 Mrs Annie Lewis, cycle dealer, there are bicycle parts hanging outside the shop. Next, number 16 John Wilson draper with materials in window and outside. Number 15, Henry V. Smith motor engineer. Entrance to Camden Court with sign for the Osborne Commercial Hotel. Number 14 Albert Doughty, dress materials. Brown and co house furnishers are at 12/13. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Leeds city centre in 1928
Wade Lane and the corner with Mark Lane in November 1928. On left Frank Somers, Veterinary Surgeon on corner with John Cox, shopkeeper next door. This area was cleared to make way for Lewis's department store which was opened on September 17, 1932. The department store locked its doors and turned away staff and shoppers on February 1, 1991, after the company went into receivership. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
12. Leeds city centre in 1928
This is Virginia Cross Street, with Milnes and Son shoeing forge. Virginia Street mills is undergoing demolition. This is a rear view from Back Virginia Street. Pictured in September 1928. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net