A few weeks ago, this column remarked about the way banks that had a few years ago been made into trendy wine bars were undergoing a metamorphosis into charity shops, vape shops and finally flats.

Now it turns out one bank familiar to many people in St Albans Road may simply be bulldozed flat and replaced with a block of flats.

Developer Fairfield Estate Agents received planning permission for flats above The Lloyds bank building on appeal - the council said the scheme was "too big". It has now submitted plans for an even bigger block that demolishes the bank altogether.

Read more: New plans for former Lloyds bank in St Albans Road, Watford

Granted, banks are one of the high street fixtures that have been hurt most by the internet.

But banks were once among the biggest presences, and put up buildings reflecting their power and status - attractive buildings that add to the character of the streets they were in.

Hillingdon Times:

Councillors Mark Hofman and Jane Johnson outside the former Lloyds Bank in St Albans Road

And Watford does have an architectural character - look at the Town Hall, the library and neighbouring doctor's surgery, the buildings that fan out at the top of The Parade and you get the idea. The Lloyds bank building has features in common with this, and with North Watford library and Watford police station.

Attractive old buildings - or even their facades - can be kept. A look at the building that is now Côte Brasserie in The Parade is proof of this.

Whatever you think of the previous design, with its glass box sitting on top of the bank building, it kept a characterful landmark.

Hillingdon Times:

The previous design

The new building would simply add another tall building to a street that is fast becoming a canyon, expunging a minor landmark that was locally listed.

Cllr Mark Hofman is right to point out overriding local listing is a bad precedent to set, risking the demolition of other buildings in the town.

It's also worth noting that it is yet another housing scheme with no affordable housing, with the rationale that the expense of replacing such an attractive building means providing affordable homes is not viable.

Yes, Watford needs new homes. It also needs affordable homes. And it needs to remember that it has a past that is worth preserving.

We want our old graffiti back

The man known to many as Helch has made something of a name for himself among the millions who use the M25.

The first most of us knew of him was when he painted over a piece of graffiti many loved - 'give peas a chance' on the railway viaduct near Gerrards Cross.

Hillingdon Times:

The less than iconic 'Give Helch a Break' graffiti. Photo: Google

In doing so, he may have become the first person ever to be hated for vandalising a piece of vandalism.

Now his doings have come to the attention of the Queen, after another of his daubings ruined a view of Windsor Castle.

Her Majesty is not impressed and wants it scrubbed off. Thank you ma'am.

Now can we have 'give peas a chance' back?