Taking to the skies is one of the best ways to look at how an area is changing – and there was a lot changing in Watford towards the end of the 1980s.

Watford Observer photographers have used various methods of transport to capture aerial shots of the town in the past, including aeroplanes and hot air balloons, and in October 1988 it was the turn of a helicopter.

Sadly, our photographers’ diary covering that period does not record where the flight began, but take a look through the pictures on this page and there are many landmarks that remain to this day – but some buildings, streets and parts of the town that look very different now.

How Watford town centre looked from the air in October 1988. YMCA is in the bottom left with St Mary's Church towards the centreHow Watford town centre looked from the air in October 1988. YMCA is in the bottom left with St Mary's Church towards the centre (Image: Watford Observer)

It was a time when site clearance was taking place to build what became the Harlequin Centre, only one side of Vicarage Road Stadium had been redeveloped and two well remembered gasometers were still standing.

Vicarage Road still had terracing at both ends of the stadium in 1988Vicarage Road still had terracing at both ends of the stadium in 1988 (Image: Watford Observer)

The former Leavesden HospitalThe former Leavesden Hospital (Image: Watford Observer)

Flying past Odhams with the Dome Roundabout beyond thatFlying past Odhams with the Dome Roundabout beyond that (Image: Watford Observer)

How the Meriden Estate looked from the air in 1988How the Meriden Estate looked from the air in 1988 (Image: Watford Observer)

Exchange Road, bottom left, leads into the High Street flyoverExchange Road, bottom left, leads into the High Street flyover (Image: Watford Observer)

The site of what was to become the Harlequin CentreThe site of what was to become the Harlequin Centre (Image: Watford Observer)

The former gasometer off Lower High Street is left of centre of this imageThe former gasometer off Lower High Street is left of centre of this image (Image: Watford Observer)

What was then the new Tesco superstore dominates the centre of this view What was then the new Tesco superstore dominates the centre of this view (Image: Watford Observer)

The home of the Hornets and Watford General Hospital from another angleThe home of the Hornets and Watford General Hospital from another angle (Image: Watford Observer)

Another view of the town centreAnother view of the town centre (Image: Watford Observer)

Looking down on Francis Combe School - now Future Academies - with Woodside Stadium in the backgroundLooking down on Francis Combe School - now Future Academies Watford - with Woodside Stadium in the background (Image: Watford Observer) Watford Leisure CentreWatford Leisure Centre (Image: Watford Observer)