It was a decade which saw local landmarks disappear from the skyline. The dawn of the 1980s featured permission had been granted by planners for the chimney at the U.D.S tailoring division in Kirkstall to be pulled down. The 100ft plus giant was built in 1936 and was a well known skyline feature. It was to be taken down a stone at a time as part of the demolition of the boiler house area and a factory building. The middle of the decade saw two 320ft high chimneys at Kirkstall Power Station being demolished with dynamite. Hundreds of people flocked to vantage points including fields around the Gotts Park area to take a last look at the tall guardians of the site which closed as a generating station in 1978. This gallery of photos from the 1980s charts a decade in the life of Kirkstall and its residents. The photos are from the Yorkshire Evening Post archive having being digitised for the first time. READ MORE: Leeds in the 1980s - The story of a jinxed leisure centre LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Kirkstall in the 1980s
February 1980 and this famous towering landmark was earmarked for demolition. Permission had been granted by planners for the chimney at the U.D.S tailoring division to be pulled down. The 100ft plus giant was built in 1936 and was a well known skyline feature. It was to be taken down a stone at a time as part of the demolition of the boiler house area and a factory building. | YPN Photo: YPN
2. Kirkstall in the 1980s
Months of hard work by volunteers in renovating derelict Hollybush Farm were rewarded in October 1981 when it was officially opened as a conservation centre. | YPN Photo: YPN
3. Kirkstall in the 1980s
Campaigners pictured in November 1988 who were opposed to plans for a £70 million redevelopment of Kirkstall Valley. | YPN Photo: YPN
4. Kirkstall in the 1980s
This electricity pylon angered residents on Spen Lane in March 1983. | YPN Photo: YPN
5. Kirkstall in the 1980s
January 1980 and this photo shows the industry at the side of the canal at Kirkstall. | YPN Photo: YPN
