Dunstable Yesteryear: Road works jam in 1957

Nose-to-tail traffic along one side of High Street North, Dunstable, in November 1957 as road works take place in the distance near the crossroads.

This photo, taken from the editorial office window of the old Dunstable Gazette building on the corner of Albion Street, is fascinating today because it shows Dunstable market when this took place (on Wednesdays and Saturdays) alongside the main road. Senior Service cigarettes and Guiness are being well advertised.

The old town hall is on the right of the photo and on the other side of the road are some famous businesses: Cycles and Wireless (owned by Mr Arthur Chattell), Bedfordshire Building Society, the Whipsiderry and Central cafes and the archway leading to the Enterprise Printing Works.

The pub sign further down the road is for the White Hart, which was pulled down when the Quadrant shopping precinct was built. Next door to this was a narrow lane which led to the Hawthorn Baker printing works.

Yesteryear is compiled by John Buckledee, chairman of Dunstable and District Local History Society.