This picture was taken 66 years ago and gives a glimpse of what one of Watford's busiest roads looked like at the time.

The Watford Observer is delighted to share pictures from the Watford Museum archive and this week we look back at this view of St Albans Road at its junction with Leggatts Wood Avenue.

The museum's volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: "Just behind the bus is Longspring where there was a confectioners. Next door was the Odeon Cinema (which later became Waitrose and is now a block of flats), then the Odeon Parade which included a photographer, greengrocer, chemist, a bank, an estate agents and a cafe.

Watford Observer: The Odeon Cinema in November 1937.The Odeon Cinema in November 1937. (Image: Watford Museum)

"There was big gap which was later taken by a car dealers and now where there is a new development. Near Leggatts Wood Avenue there was an off license.

Watford Observer: How the same stretch of road looked in March 2021.How the same stretch of road looked in March 2021. (Image: Google Street View)

"The photo was taken in June 1956, at a time when you could park on the road!"

Watford Museum is open Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.