|
We
asked the Chairperson of the Chapel Allerton Residents Association
(CARA), Margaret Jackson, to tell ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Leeds why 'Chapel A' is still
so special.
Margaret has lived in Chapel Allerton for 50 years. This what she
said.
"The
willow tree and the period housing are for me what makes Chapel
Allerton.
"The
willow tree at the junction of Harrogate Road and Stainbeck Lane
was planted about 30 years ago. It is hard to remember when it wasn't
there.
Real
landmark
"It has become a real landmark and gives great pleasure. if
you have time to watch it, it is very calming. That's
what sums it up - buildings and the trees.
 |
| Housing
in Chapel Allerton |
"Chapel
Allerton used to be very distinct from Leeds. It was a stop on the
route to Harrogate after Leeds and before Moortown.
"The
old road to Harrogate used to go through the village, more on the
line of Woodland Road, rather than the present Harrogate Road.
Can't
stop progress
"We know we can't stop progress, time can't stand still. We
do object to some developments and we win some, lose some.
"We
are all for nice development after all there has to be some alteration
in the twenty-first century. We want to see the best down in Chapel
Allerton.
Community
together
"Another thing that keeps our community together are the shops
that are privately owned.
 |
| The
Casablanca gift shop |
"Like
Bennett's electrical shop, that has been in situ since the second
world war, and the famous Magpie toy shop
"The
personal touch always helps in shopping and encourage people to
stay and spend their money in the village.
"Other
private shops include a couple of fancy goods shops Angels and Casablanca
- they are very aware of the importance of Chapel Allerton.
The
pubs
"Many people from outside will come to Chapel Allerton because
of the pubs.
"The
Regent is a jolly good pub and always had the reputation when I
was younger of a good place to meet people.
 |
| The
Nags Head: A fine pub |
"We
used to say it 'was the best copping-on shop in Leeds!'
"The
Nag's head is also a fine pub perhaps with a more local feel to
it.
"Thriving
pubs are another part of the mix to keep the village going.
Crime
is bad
"Crime in Chapel Allerton is bad and the local feeling is it
has gone up since the police station moved out of its famous buildings
a few years ago to new premises.
"We
have lost the battle to have the police station used as a community
centre and they are poised to become flats. I am still waiting to
see how you turn a bridewell into a desirable flat!
 |
| The
old police station |
Friendly
and open
"It all seems a long time since we used to have a look round
the station during its open days.
"We
used to see the police dogs and inside the building. And that's
how it was all nice, friendly and open.
"The
recent attraction of an arts festival has brought a lot of people
to the area, it is a jolly good day out. There is a magical feel
for the kids, with facepainting and the roundabout rides, and loads
for the adults too."
|
