THIS image of women talking in the street epitomises life in 1970s suburban Reading - and a keen photographer is hoping readers can shed some light on the subjects.

The photograph is part of a collection taken by former Reading man Terry Allsop after he was commissioned to record each building in every street due to be demolished and redeveloped by his employers Broadway Malyan.

Mr Allsop, 73, who now lives in Ewelme, said: "I originally thought they were taken in Victoria Road or Kennet Side but this was ruled out because of architectural differences.

"I have been working with former librarian David Cliffe for the past few months - looking at Ordnance Survey maps, touring the streets and I'm just really hoping somebody somewhere might know something."

Mr Allsop has already published most of the photographs taken in Newtown: A Photographic Journey In 1974, but uncovered these images after the book was published in 2012.

The architectural technician, who worked for several practices including Broadway Malyan while he lived in Francis Street, has narrowed down his search, after months of research, by the lack of houses at the time without front gardens.

He thinks they may have been taken around the Pell Street and Southampton Street area at the same time, in 1974, but the 16-acre site where he took the photos has since been redeveloped.

He said: "I have a passion for photography and I was always a much better photographer than an architectural technician.

"I liked taking photos of people just standing and talking but I don't know who the two women in the photo are.

"Some people have bought my book just because they spotted their grandfather or someone they knew so I'm hoping someone will be able to help me with these previously unseen photographs."

If you have any information which could help Mr Allsop identify the street or the women in the photo, email alangley@berksmedia.co.uk