I WAS born in Rock Road, Royston almost 90 years ago. Then there was no gas, electricity, television, telephone – and no cars in the road. When I was young we moved to No 23 Rock Road, and from one window, and except for a farm building, it was green fiel

I WAS born in Rock Road, Royston almost 90 years ago.

Then there was no gas, electricity, television, telephone - and no cars in the road.

When I was young we moved to No 23 Rock Road, and from one window, and except for a farm building, it was green fields as far as Melbourn, Bassingbourn, Litlington, and Ashwell.

Later I married and after a few days leave the Army sent me with the 64th Tank Regiment for four years service in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and Austria.

Two years after demob we were allocated a house in Orchard Way, Royston, where I still live.

But what a difference. An industrial building now occupied by Johnson Matthey was built six yards from my garden, and after a complaint by me I was given a small reduction in rates, but when Council Tax was introduced this was overlooked.

We are now crowded in by a large building, so I think the least North Herts District Council can do is cut our Council Tax.

STAN SIMONS

Orchard Way

Royston