“Hands off!” That was the message from customers of Woodhouse post office on Raglan Road after bosses unveiled plans to close it. The decision promoted a wave of protest with the closure plans also being opposed by two University ward councillors Nannette Sloan and Doreen Jenner. Residents had started a petition opposing the closure of the sub post office which took customers from Leeds University and nearby old people’s houses on Raglan Road. “They shove this on you but take notice of who is actually using the post office,” said Elizabeth Harmer of Harmer Printers on Raglan Road. “They know very well that there is not a lot we can do. We have the printers here and the post office is essential for us. If it closed I would have to go to the main post office or Aire Street.” This was Woodhouse in the 1980s and the photo is one of 14 digitised for the first time from the Yorkshire Evening Post archive charting life around the suburb. it was also a decade of slum clearance in LS2 and hope for a generation of children who enjoyed a new ‘super playground’ thanks to the efforts of a local mother. READ MORE: 22 photos take you back to Woodhouse in the 1960s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALAGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Woodhouse in the 1980s
Woodhouse Post Office on Raglan Road pictured in September 1985. | YPN Photo: YPN
2. Woodhouse in the 1980s
A view from Woodhouse Moor October 1985 showing part of the 12-year-old Holborn development in the foreground and the more familiar red brick terraces in the background. The imposing 100-year-old Quarry Mount Primary School with its familiar clock is in the centre and Woodhouse's only block of high rise flats Holborn Towers is in the background, right. | YPN Photo: YPN
3. Woodhouse in the 1980s
A mother-of-two who had 'begged and borrowed' for 18 months to give children a £20,000 'super playground' was appealing for more cash for pay for it. 'Gina's playground' as locals called it was alomost finished in November 1980 thanks to the efforts of 31-year-old Gina Greenley of Blenheim Square. | YPN Photo: YPN
4. Woodhouse in the 1980s
June 1984 and tenants of Glossop Street had a message for Environment Secretary Patrick Jenkin: "Please don't pull our homes down!" Mr Jenkin stopped by during a visit to examine some of the city's housing problems. Pictured is Egerton Ball watering his plants outside his home. | YPN Photo: YPN
5. Woodhouse in the 1980s
A view from Quarry Mount Primary School in October 1985. | YPN Photo: YPN
6. Woodhouse in the 1980s
Joggers make their way along on Woodhouse Ridge in October 1985. | YPN Photo: YPN