“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
1. Belle Isle in the 1980s
Jean Shields with the report complied by Broom Tenants' and Houseowners' Association in October 1986. | YPN Photo: YPN
2. Belle Isle in the 1980s
The Belle Isle estate pictured in September 1987. | YPN Photo: YPN
3. Belle Isle in the 1980s
August 1983 and a Catholic priest blessed the home of a family who believed they were haunted by a poltergeist. Fr John Ruttledge, parish priest of St Peter's, was called to the brand new terrace house on Petersfield Avenue after a series of unexplained events put the family of seven in a state of terror. | YPN Photo: YPN
4. Belle Isle in the 1980s
April 1988 and angry residents hit out at "callous and disgusting treatment by the city council after their gardens were turned into mud baths. They were seeking compensation from the council after turning down an offer of £40 inconvenience money. David Garland, treasurer of the Winrose Tenants' Association, said the problem began a year ago when the highways department carried out work on Windmill Road. | YPN Photo: YPN
5. Belle Isle in the 1980s
Officials of the Belle Isle Winter Aid Campaign pictured in October 1986. Fron left, are Doug Sissons (community worker), Angus Newton (committee member of Broom Tenants' Association), student Claire Stevens, Christopher Ward (secretary of the East Grange Association for Tenants) and Fred Foster (treasurer of the East Grange Association for Tenants). | YPN Photo: YPN
6. Belle Isle in the 1980s
January 1989 and a family of four was facing finding themselves on the streets following a protest over their "nightmare" home. Pat and Peter Rowen had refused to pay rates since moving in to their council semi on Southcroft Drive in April of 1988. They had been summoned to Leeds County Court where they faced a possible repossession order over their actions. | YPN Photo: YPN