On a normal Saturday afternoon in Hitchin, the town centre is a bustling hub of trade and civic spirit. Last weekend, with the coronavirus lockdown in full force, it resembled nothing more than a ghost town.

The Comet: Hitchin Market boarded up and desolate. Picture: Allan J MillardHitchin Market boarded up and desolate. Picture: Allan J Millard (Image: Alan J Millard 15 SG4 0BS)

On Saturday, our photographer Alan Millard beautifully captured some of Hitchin’s most recognisable, near-abandoned streets and sites.

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The Comet: No more than a gaggle of locals congregating in the Market Place. Picture: Allan J MillardNo more than a gaggle of locals congregating in the Market Place. Picture: Allan J Millard (Image: Alan J Millard 15 SG4 0BS)

The Comet: Still a few cars parked up on Woodside. Picture: Allan J MillardStill a few cars parked up on Woodside. Picture: Allan J Millard (Image: Alan J Millard 15 SG4 0BS)

The Comet: A man on his mobility scooter takes a shortcut across the swimming pool's empty car park. Picture: Simon MaddisonA man on his mobility scooter takes a shortcut across the swimming pool's empty car park. Picture: Simon Maddison (Image: Alan J Millard 15 SG4 0BS)

The Comet: Hitchin pubs and bars are closed until further notice. Picture: Allan J MillardHitchin pubs and bars are closed until further notice. Picture: Allan J Millard (Image: Alan J Millard 15 SG4 0BS)

The Comet: A very barren Portmill Lane car park. Allan J MillardA very barren Portmill Lane car park. Allan J Millard (Image: Alan J Millard 15 SG4 0BS)

The Comet: The Victoria pub on Ickleford Road, closed for business. Picture: Allan J MillardThe Victoria pub on Ickleford Road, closed for business. Picture: Allan J Millard (Image: Alan J Millard 15 SG4 0BS)

The Comet: Sun Street boarded up and empty. Picture: Allan J MillardSun Street boarded up and empty. Picture: Allan J Millard (Image: Alan J Millard 15 SG4 0BS)

The Comet: Pictures of Hitchin over the weekend in lockdown Picture: Allan J MillardPictures of Hitchin over the weekend in lockdown Picture: Allan J Millard (Image: Alan J Millard 15 SG4 0BS)