THIS WEEK IN 1987: Demolition gangs move on Charlotte Street
Shoppers in Portsmouth were hunting for final bargains in a section of Charlotte Street which would soon be flattened to make way for Cascades shopping complex.
The pub, cafes and shops along part of the south side of the busy street were told to cease trading, following a series of compulsory purchases that mark the end of an era.
In a week’s time, demolition gangs were set to move onto the southern section of the street to clear the area west of Marks and Spencer.
The open air market would continue – but traders would have to move to alloted new sites.
Landlady of the demolished Cox’s pub, June Fletcher, said she could not believe it was all over.
She said: ‘I just can’t think beyond today. I have been here for 18 years.’