Whether it was browsing Parrish's department store, a trip to The Apollo cinema or buying fruit and veg from the local greengrocer - generations of Geordies have happy memories of Shields Road through the years.
But today the once busy Byker high street has declined beyond recognition. Graffiti covered shutters line the street where popular stores once traded, litter is strewn across the street and those who visit the area seem to agree that there's very little left for people on Shields Road.
James Arrowsmith, 74, said he was born over the road from Parrish's department store and would frequent the area when he was younger. He has witnessed the area decline over the years and believes it is now beyond any chance of being improved.
