“It’s no fun being cold and damp” The message to council chiefs from Broom Tenants’ and Houseowners’ Association who were demanding urgent action on their homes in the mid-1980s. The association claimed there were faults with 174 houses and flats on the estate and had written to all 99 members of the council pleading: “Bring us forward into the 1990s.” This was one of a number of stories making the local headlines around Belle Isle during the 1980s. They are featured in this wonderful trip down memory lane around the suburb during the decade using photos plucked from the Yorkshire Evening Post archive and digitised for the first time. The gallery also includes bonus photo memories from the 1990s. READ MORE: Memories of lost Leeds pubs in Hunslet, Belle Isle, Middleton and Stourton LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Belle Isle in the 1980s
Homes on the Belle Isle estate pictured in September 1987. | YPN Photo: YPN
8. Belle Isle in the 1990s
March 1993 and the Belle Isle Church Day Centre was just one of 90-plus voluntary groups in Leeds which were being cut off from funding because of a government decision to stop Urban Programme Grants, worth around £5 million to the city. The Centre, which catered for around 250 pensioners a week desperately needed about £25,000 for community roof repairs. Pictured is John Rawnsley. | YPN Photo: YPN
9. Belle Isle in the 1990s
July 1992 and tenants on the Belle Isle North estate lashed out at the treatment they had received during restoration work on their homes. Shoddy workmanship, houses left without power and water and an off hand attitude by some workers and council liaison officers were among a catalogue of complaints from residents. Pictured are Colin and Jean Holliday outside their home. | YPN Photo: YPN
10. Belle Isle in the 1990s
The Woodville Square complex pictured in April 1993. | YPN Photo: YPN