Old Town Face Lift Aka Hemel Hempstead New Town (1969)

Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. Hemel Hempstead new town is shown - modern architecture, mosaic murals, modern sculpture etc. Narrator speaks of how the town is the pride of modern developers. “But new building means new problems - what to do with the old?“ Interesting commentary about how the new shopping centre has taken trade around from the old town. Shots of the old town being revitalised, it is being rebuilt with help from the civic trust. It is now a conservation area. Lots of building work around the ancient buildings. Retaining and preserving the ancient while constructing the modern is a scheme never before attempted in a new town states the narrator. Planners are making the old fit with the new. Various shots of a cobbled street being remade, a “Royal Oak“ sign being repainted, building facades being restored etc. Various C/Us of parts of the old town including ancient lampposts, “The Spinning Wheel“, the town pump, etc. Old and new lampposts are contrasted, post box and no par