Nostalgia pictures of old Colchester shops from the 80s

Over the years Colchester has seen many names arrive and leave the high street.

Do you remember when Colchester High Street was home to old names like Timothy Whites, Tweeds the Bakers and Sturgeons fish and chip shop?

While some big names have stood the test of time in town, many other well-loved independents have long disappeared.

Back in the 70s, shoppers might stop at Tooks Bakery and Light Bites for lunch or pop into A. Owen Ward for a stylish new suit.

Many school children - and their parents - will remember getting their school uniforms in the old Ernest Newson shop, and many others will remember their first forays into the Top Rank Club next door.

As well as independent businesses, big chains such as Boots, Tesco and WH Smith have also moved on from their former premises in the High Street over the years.

READ MORE >> These 12 incredible pictures show life in Colchester in the 1980s

Here we have had a look at our archives to find these snaps from the 1980s.

During this time businesses included Foster menswear, Leeds for Lamb and Luckin-Smith.

There was also Jacklins Restaurant, tobacconist and sweet shop, which stood on part of the High Street site for nearly 80 years.

Willie Gees, which is now Fenwick, snapped up Jacklins as part of its expansion plans in the 1990s.

The restaurant closed its doors for the final time in January 1997.

Family run Luckin-Smith had enjoyed a long life having previously had a grocers aspect which was sold off before the shop itself closed for good in 1981 having traded for 50 years.

Many of the buildings remain the same, but can you remember any old names that have since moved away?