HAVING lived in Potter Street, Northwood, for 56 years, we are very interested in how Joel Street can be 'refurbished'.

Unfortunately we all know that the past has gone and cannot be 'born again'.

We had two excellent grammar schools that later became Haydon. We all know what happened: most of the teachers left and went to independent schools.

They saw what was coming with the advent of us losing our status and being swallowed up in the London Borough of Hillingdon, and we have been going down the pan ever since.

As regards shops, we desperately need a proper hardware store that sells pots and pans, glassware cutlery and china, ornaments and cooking utensils.

We also need a lighting shop with a good selection of lampshades; ladies' underwear with a haberdashery department selling buttons, zips, elastic etc, an electrical shop selling kettles and irons (and repairs) children's clothing and shoes.

Handbags, gloves and hats, bags and luggage, umbrellas and proper mackintoshes. Another butcher, a proper grocer and a wet fish shop. A newsagent that also stocks stationery and not wines and spirits, a proper off-licence that only opens during licensing hours. Shops that open 9-6, six days a week.

Yes. We had it all here in Joel Street. We have far too many restaurants, we don't need two piano shops.

We bought Parker Knoll furniture and a bedroom suite in the corner shop that now houses a Lebanese restaurant.

Yes, and two petrol stations with attendants. We didn't know how well off we were.

Now the only remaining shops of that era are Allen Bros, Pattisons and John Terry - long may they reign.

The cinema became a supermarket and now that is to be flats. I cannot see any improvement as no one can afford to run these shops today.

Those were the days. We wish you luck.

DEREK AND PAT ROGERS

Address supplied