And it’s only when we look back that we realise how much things have changed. Our shopping habits have changed entirely and we are firmly in the grip of online shopping. Our town centre is still a great place to shop with the new Houndshill centre at the heart of it but many shops have disappeared from the high street, some of which are featured in this gallery. Most of these pictures haven’t been published since they were first seen in The Gazette back in the 1990s – there are some great memories.

13. How it used to be...
This was in 1993 - a car park stood on the site of the old Cocker Street baths Photo: National World


15. How it used to be...
Bank Hey Street in 1991 - looks like there was work going on. Our Price Music is the left Photo: National World

16. How it used to be...
Fosters Menswear, JD Sports, Leonard Dews and a diner in August 1995 Photo: National World

17. How it used to be...
Marks and Spencer and we think the yellow sign of Sweetens Book Shop is to the right Photo: National World

18. How it used to be...
Bunting was up in this photo, presumably for the 1994 centenary celebrations Photo: National World

