AS work gets underway on preparing York House for demolition, T&A readers have been sharing memories of living in the landmark tower block.

The eight-storey complex, comprising 112 flats and a row of shops, has been the centrepiece of the Thorpe Edge skyline for nearly 70 years. When Thorpe Edge was built in the 1950s, York House was one of two high-rise blocks on the estate. The first residents moved in to the block in 1957. With modern amenities and sweeping views, the new flats, on Idlethorpe Way, were welcomed as desirable places to live.

But as tower blocks deteriorated, they became less popular. In recent years York House residents have raised concerns about the flats, with some calling for the block to be pulled down.

In 2022 the T&A reported “serious concerns about the standard of properties” at York House. A consultation with residents revealed that more than 80 per cent were in favour of the block being decommissioned. Incommunities later announced plans to decommission it and residents were moved to other properties. Last year an application was submitted to demolish the sprawling complex. Preparation work has begun and the demolition process is expected to take several months.

The tower block has long divided opinion. Recognised as a landmark building, it’s also regarded as an eyesore.

Our recent article about York House prompted readers’ memories. Clare Pollard moved there when she was 10-years-old. “My parents were the first residents, they lived there from 1959-1971,” says Clare. “We were very content there, it felt safe and it was very clean. We lived on the fifth floor, I loved the view. You could see right up to the top of the estate, looking up the hill, and right through to Yeadon. There were two lifts, one at each end. Another lift was installed later on. The lift got stuck sometimes. The fire brigade once had to lift someone out through the ceiling.

“There was a strong community spirit. There were social evenings in one of the ground floor flats on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We had everything we needed; a newsagents, hairdressers, post office, greengrocers. I was very happy there. I lived there until I got married, when I went to live at Delph Hill. When my dad died my mum stayed at York House, she felt safe.”

Clare is “heartbroken” that the flats are being demolished. “I have happy memories. There were always people about, it was a great community. They could have renovated it and put it to good use.”

Some readers shared memories on Facebook: Denise Dempsey recalled: “My aunt and uncle were among the first tenants. Top floor in the late 1950s, relocated from Barkerend Road when the houses were compulsory purchased.”

Victor Lynette Hall wrote: “Can’t understand why such a big block of flats was built on Thorpe Edge. There were so many lovely houses built, I had lots of friends on that estate. I lived on Ravenscliffe, my mum and her family were the first residents to move there. Happy memories.”

Jean Ann Chippendale: “Used to be high end when they were first built but now time to come down.”

David Wright: “Crag View (to the left of the photo) was great for sledging in winter, and great for a bit of cardboard for grass sliding in the summer.”

* Did you live in York House? Share your memories with us by emailing emma.clayton@nqyne.co.uk