Four decades ago Ipswich had through traffic in the town’s main shopping areas, writes David Kindred.

Ipswich Star: How the Cornhill could soon lookHow the Cornhill could soon look (Image: Archant)

Many of the public houses which were thriving then have closed and many of them were demolished. Several of the shop names have changed.

Ipswich Star: Fore Street, Ipswich, in January 1974. Photo by Richard Snasdell/ArchantFore Street, Ipswich, in January 1974. Photo by Richard Snasdell/Archant

The first of this week’s photos shows the Cornhill in August 1974. Since this picture was taken the area has been pedestrianised and the bus shelters removed. Plans are now being discussed to refurbish the area again.

Ipswich Star: Fore Street, Ipswich, in January 1974. Photo by Richard Snasdell/ArchantFore Street, Ipswich, in January 1974. Photo by Richard Snasdell/Archant

The next photo shows Fore Street in January 1974. Do you remember The Skipper transport café?

Ipswich Star: Fore Street, Ipswich, in January 1974. Photo by Richard Snasdell/ArchantFore Street, Ipswich, in January 1974. Photo by Richard Snasdell/Archant

Shoppers had to contend with traffic in Carr Street in 1974. Shops included Mac Fisheries, Plums curtain shop, Millets camping and clothes, Bricks menswear and John Collier tailors.

Ipswich Star: The Garland, 1974The Garland, 1974 (Image: Archant)

This shows Fore Street from near the junction with Duke Street in March 1974. The buildings featured in the foreground have been altered and restored. The Direct Trading Company had sold motor accessories before closure. Further along was the East Anglian Wireworking and Engineering Company, next to the Sorrel Horse public house at the corner of Grimwade Street, which closed in 1975.

Ipswich Star: Demolition of The Garland pub in Humber Doucy Lane.Demolition of The Garland pub in Humber Doucy Lane.

The Garland public house in Humber Doucy Lane, Ipswich, closed in January 2014. It was demolished and is to be replaced with houses.

Ipswich Star: Were you one of the regulars at the Garland public house, Ipswich in August 1974?Were you one of the regulars at the Garland public house, Ipswich in August 1974? (Image: Archant)

This photograph shows how it looked in 1974.

Ipswich Star: Were you one of the regulars at the Garland public house, Ipswich in August 1974?Were you one of the regulars at the Garland public house, Ipswich in August 1974? (Image: Archant)

And these regulars were also photographed enjoying a drink at the pub in August 1974. Did you visit the pub during this era?

Ipswich Star: Were you one of the regulars at the Garland public house, Ipswich in August 1974?Were you one of the regulars at the Garland public house, Ipswich in August 1974? (Image: Archant)

Who was serving the refreshments at the Garland in August 1974?

Ipswich Star: Who was serving the refreshments at the Garland in August 1974?Who was serving the refreshments at the Garland in August 1974? (Image: Archant)

Are you one of the regulars featured in this photo?

Ipswich Star: Fore Street, Ipswich, in January 1974. Photo by Richard Snasdell/ArchantFore Street, Ipswich, in January 1974. Photo by Richard Snasdell/Archant

The cattle market on a site between Princes Street and Portman Road, Ipswich, was still operating in 1974. It closed in January 1985 and the site is now a car park.

Ipswich Town player, David Johnson (right), is seen opening a men’s boutique in Tacket Street in this photo, taken in September 1974. Among the players at the opening were (from the left) Colin Viljoen, Laurie Sivell, George Burley, Trevor Whymark and Brian Talbot.

If any of the photographs bring back memories, share your memories via email