Around 80 people marched in driving snow on a Saturday in December 1988 to protest at increased police presence and alleged harassment in the community. The march was organised by some residents in the community angry about a police initiative which had doubled the number of officers on the beat. Their action drew an immediate response from a police chief who claimed only a quarter of the 400 names on a petition were genuine and that the initiative was supported by the majority of residents.placeholder image
Around 80 people marched in driving snow on a Saturday in December 1988 to protest at increased police presence and alleged harassment in the community. The march was organised by some residents in the community angry about a police initiative which had doubled the number of officers on the beat. Their action drew an immediate response from a police chief who claimed only a quarter of the 400 names on a petition were genuine and that the initiative was supported by the majority of residents. | YPN

16 captivating photos take you back to Chapeltown in the 1980s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 23rd Mar 2025, 16:00 GMT

It proved to be a decade of protest for those living in an inner city suburb.

This was Chapeltown in the 1980s and a community motivated by a sense of injustice. Demonstrations during the decades included marches, pickets and even sit-ins with local people desperate for their voice to be heard over a range of issues. Many of the photos showcasing news stories from back in the day have never been published before online. READ MORE: Memories of lost Leeds pubs in Chapel Allerton, Chapeltown, Little London and Sheepscar LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

Pawnbrokers Herbert Brown and Son opened a new pawnbrokers on Reginald Parade in November 1989. Simon Brown, the sixth generation in the family owned business, denied the shop was opening because people were poorer. "People should look on us like a bank. Lots of people, rich and poor, need cash and we provide it," he said. Pictured is Roger Parr, display manager for the Herbert Brown group, outside the new shop.

7. Chapeltown in the 1980s

Pawnbrokers Herbert Brown and Son opened a new pawnbrokers on Reginald Parade in November 1989. Simon Brown, the sixth generation in the family owned business, denied the shop was opening because people were poorer. "People should look on us like a bank. Lots of people, rich and poor, need cash and we provide it," he said. Pictured is Roger Parr, display manager for the Herbert Brown group, outside the new shop. | YPN Photo: YPN

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Chapeltown Community Centre pictured in 1980.

8. Chapeltown in the 1980s

Chapeltown Community Centre pictured in 1980. | YPN Photo: YPN

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Boardup front windows on Hamilton Avenue. Pictured in April 1980.

9. Chapeltown in the 1980s

Boardup front windows on Hamilton Avenue. Pictured in April 1980. | YPN Photo: YPN

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Any old rags? A rare sight in April 1980 of a rag and bone man pictured on the streets of Chapeltown.

10. Chapeltown in the 1980s

Any old rags? A rare sight in April 1980 of a rag and bone man pictured on the streets of Chapeltown. | Mel Hulme Photo: Mel Hulme

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Back Savile Road in February 1981.

11. Chapeltown in the 1980s

Back Savile Road in February 1981. | YPN Photo: YPN

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Angry pickets demonstrating against a new 'sex shop' on Chapeltown Road warned 'this is just the start' in December 1980.

12. Chapeltown in the 1980s

Angry pickets demonstrating against a new 'sex shop' on Chapeltown Road warned 'this is just the start' in December 1980. | YPN Photo: YPN

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