The face of Watford continues to change to this day but the pictures on this page give a glimpse of the transformation the town underwent in the 1960s.

These images are taken from the ‘Watford in the Sixties’ supplement published by the Watford Observer in June 1997.

It was researched and written by this newspaper’s former assistant editor Oliver Phillips, who wrote in the introduction: “The decade saw the biggest change in the history of the town centre for there has been some Sage advice, if not sage planning. Watford Borough Council engineer F.C. Sage gave warning when he said: ‘Anyone returning to Watford in ten years will not recognise it and ten years later will be lost.

“A sad intent, but the stall was set out.

“So we awoke at the end of the decade to the ugly extremes and banalities of Sixties’ architecture straddling the town and, some would argue, the soul had been ripped from the centre.”

Featuring the High Street, St Albans Road and Bushey Arches, some of these photos may not have been published since the supplement was produced 25 years ago. We hope you enjoy the opportunity to look through them.

Watford Observer: The old High Street fire station due for demolition to make way for Gade House. In Upton Road (background), yesterday's Watford in the form of a detached house is sandwiched by big buildings prior to the introduction of the High Street flyover.The old High Street fire station due for demolition to make way for Gade House. In Upton Road (background), yesterday's Watford in the form of a detached house is sandwiched by big buildings prior to the introduction of the High Street flyover.

Watford Observer: Segwick's Brewery, Watford, due for demolition in 1967Segwick's Brewery, Watford, due for demolition in 1967

Watford Observer: The St Albans Road bridge undergoes considerable widening.The St Albans Road bridge undergoes considerable widening.

Watford Observer: Recalling the last days when Watford High Street was a two-way street.Recalling the last days when Watford High Street was a two-way street.

Watford Observer: Leafy Lower High Street, Watford, in 1960, scene of a proposed shoppers world.Leafy Lower High Street, Watford, in 1960, scene of a proposed shoppers world.

Watford Observer: Barriers erected in Market Place, 'as if protecting us from unexploded bombs'.Barriers erected in Market Place, 'as if protecting us from unexploded bombs'.

Watford Observer: An unusual view, looking down through where the rails usually lie, to the road below as Bushey Arches undergoes an overhaul.An unusual view, looking down through where the rails usually lie, to the road below as Bushey Arches undergoes an overhaul.

Watford Observer: Market Street becomes one-way, but you could turn either way then.Market Street becomes one-way, but you could turn either way then.