The better back to backs of Woodhouse make superior homes when compared with new council housing developments, which had been labelled “the slums of tomorrow.” That was the opinion of the Vicar of Woodhouse, the Reverend Robert Simpson, who during the 1970s was involved as anyone could be in the debate on the future of the suburb and who voiced his strong feelings in the St Mark’s parish magazine. It saddened him to see the deteriorating effects of “planning blight” on people and property while the options for redevelopment were circulated prior to “open discussion.” His strong sentiments were voiced in the summer of 1978 just four months before a report on the future of Woodhouse comprising of 712 houses had been completed and considered by Leeds City Council’s housing committee. The report had followed public meetings in the area and the result of questionnaires sent out to all householders. “The district is divided into three areas and so far as area one totalling 225 houses and comprising the Gantons is concerned the majority of the residents are in favour of clearance and redevelopment,” said Coun Peter Starling, chairman of Leeds City Council’s housing committee. “This result is not surprising since most of the houses lack basic amenities and are on a steeply sloping site with many living rooms backing into cellars of the uphill dwelling. The housing committee has decided that in view of the residents wishes the area shall be represented for clearance immediately.” This issue was dominating the headlines during the decade and is one of 14 memories which make up this photo gallery charting life around Woodhouse in the 1970s. The images have plucked from the Yorkshire Evening Post archive, many of which have never been seen before having being digitised the for the first time. READ MORE: 17 warm-hearted photos take you back to Woodhouse in the 1980s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Woodhouse in the 1970s
Rev Robert Simpson, vicar of Woodhouse, pictured in August 1978. | YPN Photo: YPN
2. Woodhouse in the 1970s
Legacy of neglect... a torn net hangs forlornly on the public tennis court on Woodhouse Moor in July 1978. | YPN Photo: YPN
3. Woodhouse in the 1970s
Players would spend most of their time retrieving balls through torn-down fences. | YPN Photo: YPN
4. Woodhouse in the 1970s
This is Abdul Ali pictured in April 1978. He was standing as a Liberal candidate in the City-Woodhouse ward. He believed it was high time Leeds had its first black councillor. | YPN Photo: YPN
5. Woodhouse in the 1970s
A bus makes its way up Moorland Road in May 1979. | YPN Photo: YPN
6. Woodhouse in the 1970s
A film crew from Yorkshire Television at work on Leicester Place in July 1977. | YPN Photo: YPN