IMAGES of Greenock and district in the past have long been a feature of Talk of the Towns.

They have proved of interest to those old enough to remember buildings that disappeared and others who have wondered what once stood on the site of more modern properties.

In the early 1990s I carried a couple of photographs showing businesses in Greenock’s Hamilton Street.

Greenock Telegraph:

The street and its properties were removed to make way for what became the Oak Mall.

I expressed the opinion that a fair number of people believed there was not much wrong with the original shopping area east of Westburn Street.

My article prompted the publication of a letter to the editor from a reader who stated: 'It was really lovely to see these photographs of Hamilton Street in the 1960s.

'Apart from the nostalgic memories they provoked, these old photographs showed what a lovely old town centre was destroyed in the name of progress.

'When one looks back at what we had and what could have been done with some thoughtful refurbishment we would have had a town centre which would be the envy of many towns. These beautiful old buildings could have been preserved to retain the town’s history.

'Looking at what we did get in its place – there can be no comparison.'

Today’s images show the former Hamilton Street.