Leeds residents have reminisced over a former row of shops, that have since become an 'eyesore' in the community.
Ivy Mount, just off York Road, in Burmantofts, used to be bustling with life and commerce. The row of shops was simply known as ‘the Front’, at least that was case back in the 1970s.
There was an off-license, a mini-market, greengrocers, a hairdressers, a Post Office, a doctors, a chemist, a bakers and an opticians. Burmtofts residents have reflected on the loss of the shops in the area over the past 20 years. They’ve spoken of the ‘fantastic shops with great characters'.
Leeds local Keith Fuller posted online: “York Road. Shops returned to houses to let. A good idea in my opinion.” Keith’s post attracted a lot of attention, and others were quick to comment with their memories.
Colleen Dunn said: “Such a shame. It looks a real mess when you pass on the bus!! I used to love going shopping with my mum on here. There was everything you could think of. I still remember the smell of the hardware shop it was great and sold everything! Sad times and things change.”
Lee Buccilli said: “I lived in 'the castle' bungalow on Ivy Street. In the 70's it was known as 'the Front'. Spent much of my childhood up there. Either waiting for my great grandad to come out of the bookies (just across from the Post Office and butchers) or in Barbara's hairdressers waiting for my mum getting her hair done on a Friday.
“There were some fantastic shops with great characters. Lee's Chemist, Plumber's Hardware, Brown's Furniture shop, Molly Carter's veg shop, Haygenback's (not sure of the spelling) bakers, Maxi Vites opticians to name but a few.
“Personally, I loved the Post Office where I used to buy Airfix models, soldiers and Corgi Cars. Great times, unfortunately long gone.”
Jimmy, who has lived in the area since 1998, felt there was no longer any need for the row of shops in the area. He was quick to point out there was a quick bus into town, and supermarkets in the immediate area.
Speaking to Leeds Live, Jimmy said: “I personally think they should just knock them down and build houses. You get houses all the way down York Road so it won’t make any difference.”
Fiona Ashworth, 61, has lived in the area since the 90s and has fond memories of visiting the shops.
Fiona said: “I don’t think it’s right they’ve turned them into houses, it’s just the way they are situated. It’s a shame they didn’t keep them as shops, it doesn’t look right.
“Everything was there, and gradually, one by one, they all left. It’s an eyesore. After I picked my kids up from school, they loved going into these shops to get sweets.”
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