The maps highlight the main changes which have taken place in a town center since 1990.
Overall, the area has witnessed a number of transformations, the most important of which are the addition of several transport features for pedestrians, together with the appearance of more modern shopping and residential facilities.
In 1990, the town center was separated by four streets, with Newton Street running parallel to Oldfield Street from north to south, and so did the other two (Smith Street and Green Street), but from west to east. These four roads crossed each other, and all allowed cars to travel. However, at present, Smith Street only permit walking, while the restriction is not imposed on the other three. It is also noteworthy that there are now pedestrian crossings available in Green Street and Oldfield Street.
Looking more closely at the north of the map, as one entered Smith Street from Newton Street, there was a row of shops, namely Newsagent’s, Grocer’s, Baker’s, Butcher’s and cafe, together with a childcare center laying from west to east. However, the shops has been turned into a shopping center whereas the childcare center remained the same. The bank in the north east, in the corner of Smith Street and Oldfield Street also stayed unchanged.
Further south, there were fewer changes occurring. In the middle area, the park, library and town hall remain as they used to, but another bank further west across Oldfield Street has been replaced by a cafe. In addition, the southern side at the bottom of the map has seen some changes, with all the houses being converted into apartment blocks.