A decade was coming to an end and Watford was undergoing the biggest transformation in its modern history as work intensified on building the ring road and other supposed improvement schemes around the town.

These pictures from our archive were taken by a Watford Observer photographer at the end of June 1969 and captured the demolition work underway in streets which were to change significantly – including Sutton Road and Derby Road – while Weymouth Street was to be wiped from the map completely.

This road was located at the end of the St Albans Road by what is now the Town Hall roundabout and the line of it is today followed by Beechen Grove.

The first four pictures below though, show how the Cassiobridge area looked at the end of the 1960s as construction work was starting on big changes to one of the main entrance routes in Watford.

Watford Observer: The Cassiobridge area looked very different in June 1969The Cassiobridge area looked very different in June 1969 (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: This junction in Baldwins Lane was to be replaced by a roundaboutThis junction in Baldwins Lane was to be replaced by a roundabout (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Two workmen walking across the building siteTwo workmen walking across the building site (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The familiar sight of what is now a Harvester restaurant in the backgroundThe familiar sight of what is now a Harvester restaurant in the background (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Two people make their way through the barrier of old doors in Derby RoadTwo people make their way through the barrier of old doors in Derby Road (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Weymouth Street became a victim of the Town Hall plannersWeymouth Street became a victim of the Town Hall planners (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The end of Sutton Road was cut off to make way for Beechen GroveThe end of Sutton Road was cut off to make way for Beechen Grove (Image: Watford Observer)