They claimed Duncan Street, off Briggate. had fallen victim to bad planning decisions and short-sighted bureaucrats. Their comments followed reports of “extremely poor trading conditions’” on the street and a slump that was proving difficult for businesses to overcome. ‘To Let’ notices could be seen on man shop[ fronts. “There are big crowds in the precincts but not many come as a far as here,” said Frank Leigh, owner of Frank’s International Hair Stylists on Duncan Street. “People go to places like the Bond Street Centre.” This was Leeds in 1984 and the issue is one of 29 photo memories charting the 12 months in the life of Leeds and its residents. City centre landmarks are in focus as well as memories from the suburbs with Harehills, Adel, Morley and Gildersome in focus. READ MORE: When Pasta Romagna first opened in Leeds city centre LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Leeds city centre
A group of squatters occupied the former Rates Office on Park Lane in April 1984 prompting Leeds City Council to be granted a possession order. | YPN Photo: YPN
8. Leeds city centre
Shops on the east side of Albion Street in June 1984, showing, from right, Britannia Building Society, then the YMCA building with shops including Hunting Lambert travel agents, Raymond Appleson opticians and Bentley films photograhic equipment. Beyond the junction with Albion Place is Dacre Son and Hartley, estate agents. In the background on the left the multi-storey carpark over Schofields, now the Headrow Centre, can be seen. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Leeds in 1984
Pupils play their last over in July 1984 before the closure of Elmhurst Middle School. Pictured, from left, are David Willett, Parvez Shan, Amritpal Rehal and Eugene Ruan with classmates in the background. Photo: YPN
10. Alwoodley
Did you enjoy a drink here back in the day? The Jester on Harrogate Road pictured in December 1984. | YPN Photo: YPN
12. Leeds city centre
The YMCA building on Albion Place, which was built on the site of the former Stock Exchange building and was officially opened in February 1908. It cost £50,000. It was used as the YMCA until 1984. Shops on the ground floor of the building are Eastwood tobacconist and Bentley Films photographic equipment. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net