| "Burtons used to be the main employer around here, now it's just a warehouse where they import the clothes over from abroad." | | Sadie Fisher |
Sadie says: “I’ve lived here at Scargill Grange for over 27 years and I moved up here when the flats at Quarry Hill were demolished. It used to be a pottery round here and they made china from the china clay they found underground on this site.”From her front door you can see the 'Kremlin' or DSS building and also part of St James's hospital. Sadie says: “I love living here because you are so close to town, you’re just walking distance from everything, shops, the pictures, football or work and it’s a good community – I know everybody round here.” We turn right from the flats and walk along Stoney Rock lane, opposite us is Shakespeare Primary School where Sadie campaigned against the school being closed down. The school is now being re-built as Primrose Hill High school and is unique in the fact that it will take pre-school ages right through to 18 year olds. Further along is the church of St Agnes. Sadie says: “This used to be the hub of the community, now there is no vicar here."The crossing in front of the church is where Sadie sat down in the road with some other residents as part of a protest to get a zebra crossing to prevent children being killed on the road. At the back of the church you will find Burmantofts Senior Action group, a charity set up to help and support older people within the community by providing lunch clubs, line dancing, help with painting and decorating and much more. Sadie remembers the flats behind the church going up about 38 years ago. She says: ”Before that it was all back-to-back terraced houses for the factory workers, but that’s all gone now.” Further along the road we come to the cemetery, which according to Sadie: “Is a lovely green space with lots of old trees and full of birds, foxes and junkies!” Across the road we find Burtons factory which used to be one of the main sources of employment in Burmantofts. Sadie recalls: “It used to be like a football match on a Friday evening, as streams of people all laughing and joking and making a noise came out of the factory gates, it was a great atmosphere.”"Burtons used to make made-to-measure suits and it had huge cutting rooms with lots of people sitting crossed legged in these rooms hand-sewing cloth to make suits. Now it’s just a warehouse and all the clothes are imported.” Sadie worked for a clothing manufacturer, Alexandra Ltd. It was a family-run firm. She tells us: “They used to make made-to-measure suits and had stock clothes which were rare in those days. My job was to make up bundles of cloth, buttons and thread for the tailors who made them into individual suits.” Further along we come to the pub. It looks a shadow of its former self. Sadie says: “This was a great place to go out on Friday and Saturday nights. They used to have live music, dancing, darts and dominos and did a lot of work for charity. It has since become empty and then some one set fire to it so it’s now derelict. It’s a real shame. They will probably knock it down when some children get injured or hurt playing in it.” Sadie stops at the junction between the pub and Compton Road library. Beyond here is Harehills but that’s another story. We have come to the end of our journey. She clearly loves the area and the local community but seems saddened by the lack of funding and regeneration to improve it. Where you live - Is there a place, route, street or journey that evokes memories good or bad? If so we want to hear from you use the form below or call BBC Leeds on 0113 224 7026. | 
