Angry Gipton residents decided that 15 months was long enough to wait for their new community centre. So members of St Wilfrid’s Residents Association made placards and staged a demonstration outside the block of flats in St Wilfrid’s Avenue in July 1988 an attempt to get the work started on converting them into a centre for the community and for adult education. The association’s chairman Susan McNalus said the keys to the flats had been handed to the city’s education department more than a year ago and residents were certain the centre would soon be a reality. But although £40,000 had been allocated for the conversion, nothing had yet been done. The story was one of a number dominating the local news headlines around Gipton during the 1980s. And these photos digitised from the Yorkshire Evening Post archive for the first time showcase life around the suburb during the decade. It brings into focus local landmarks as well as reflections on the changes and challenges faced by locals. READ MORE: 21 thought-provoking photos take you back to Gipton in the 1990s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Gipton in the 1980s
Did you live here back in the day? Pictured in October 1983. | YPN Photo: YPN
8. Gipton in the 1980s
Vandalised homes on Brander Mount pictured in August 1986. | YPN Photo: YPN
10. Gipton in the 1980
Houses in South Farm Road pictured in August 1986. | YPN Photo: YPN
11. Gipton in the 1980s
August 1982 and a new emergency tender has been brought into service at Gipton Fire Station to deal with special calls. The tender is pictured outside the station with its Red Watch crew, fireman Stephen Pask, left, and leading fireman Brian Perkin, who are displaying some of the specialised equipment the vehicle carries. | YPN Photo: YPN
12. Gipton in the 1980s
Did you drink here back min the day? The Gipton on Roundhay Road pictured in June 1982. The landlord at the time was Ronald Winter. | YPN Photo: YPN