But we are looking back on happier times on the shopping thoroughfare in South Shields with this selection of archive photos.
Remember when you queued for Little Mix tickets or watched Tommy the Trumpeter as he helped switch on the Christmas lights?
How about the flashmob which came to the street or perhaps you were pictured basking in a glorious summer sun as you shopped.
But there are plenty of memories of happier times too and lets take a look at a few.
5. Time for a flashmob
A spontaneous dance from these college students in the Market Place and King Street got plenty of attention in 2013. Photo: iain brown
6. A winter wonderland in 2012
The Winter Wonderland parade through King Street and finishing in St Hildas. Remember this from eight years ago? Photo: Stu Norton
7. Among the elite
The King Street branch of Specsavers was nominated for Contact Lens Practice of the Year in 2004. Were you a part of the team? Photo: IB
8. A lovely memory from 2007
Loving memories were being left in the window of the British Heart Foundation shop in King Street in 2007. The then South Shields MP David Miliband was among those to leave a note with shop manager Lisa Burles also pictured. Photo: TR