Sunderland Area Developments - St Mary's Way, Vaux, New Wear Bridge etc

[BusLoverMum]

Had my first trip into Sunderland this weekend in an age.

Eye opener to say the least! Never seen so many charity and bargain shops on a main thoroughfare in a City before. Lots of empty units too. Everywhere was so quiet too. Felt like I was in some small town as opposed to a city

The condition of the buildings a lot of the shops are in leaves a lot to be desired, too. Lucky if there's any running water in the M&S - the loos were shut last time I wanted to use them. I'm surprised they could keep the cafe open.

I don't go there often. All it really has that Durham doesn't, which is at all interesting to me is Debenhams (whoop-de doo) and Lush. Durham has loads that Sunderland lacks, though - Fatface, Paperchase, decent coffee every 3rd shop... Can't even use Home bargains etc as Sunderland's USP, because I have all that crap closer to home at Peterlee!