A BOROUGH businessman is calling for a last minute change of heart by banking bosses in the hope they will reconsider the decision to close one of Grays' few remaining town centre banks.

James Mackinlay is a director of borough-based Advanced Building and Maintenance and he is calling on councillors, Thurrock's MP, residents and other business to call on NatWest to change its decision to close its Grays High Street branch.

Mr Mackinlay, son of former borough MP Andrew Mackinlay, says: "This decision will affect the wider Thurrock community, and I therefore hope to receive a considered response from councillors and, as a resident of Little Thurrock, I am directly addressing my ward councillors, Rob Gledhill and Tom Kelly, for their support on this issue.

"I have contacted councillors whose wards are closest to Grays Town Centre, as well as those representing surrounding areas, because the implications of this closure extend well beyond a single street or ward boundary. This is not a party-political matter, nor an opportunity for criticism or point-scoring. It is a serious economic and social issue that requires the collective attention and cooperation of all elected members representing Thurrock residents.

"The closure of NatWest in Grays is about far more than the loss of one banking facility.

"It represents the removal of a key anchor service from our town centre. Banks are not simply retail units; they draw regular footfall, support local trade, and provide essential financial services to individuals and businesses. Removing that presence risks further weakening confidence in Grays High Street at a time when sustained effort is being made to encourage regeneration and increased activity in the town centre.

"As a business owner in Thurrock employing approximately 25 local residents, and as a resident of Little Thurrock, I rely heavily on the Grays branch for both personal and business banking.

"Access to a local branch is not a luxury or convenience; it forms part of normal business operations. Regular in-person banking, deposits and account matters require physical access. Being required to travel to Basildon or Romford, without any other reason to be there, will result in lost time, reduced efficiency and additional cost.

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"Inevitably, time spent outside the borough will also lead to spending outside the borough. I will not be alone in that position.

"Beyond my own circumstances, the broader community impact is significant.

"Elderly and vulnerable residents who depend on face-to-face banking services will be disproportionately affected. Many are not comfortable with digital platforms and value the reassurance of speaking to staff in person.

"They will require assistance and advice from various places, including yourselves as their elected representatives. Residents and small business owners who cannot rely solely on online or app-based banking may experience genuine difficulty managing their finances. While digital services suit many, they do not suit all, and those individuals will inevitably seek guidance and support, placing additional pressure on advice services and council representatives.

"High Street and wider Thurrock businesses that rely on regular banking access will feel the impact both practically and economically. Customers who previously combined a bank visit with local shopping or services may simply relocate their activity to neighbouring towns.

"The cumulative effect of these changes should not be underestimated. When essential services leave a town centre, confidence and activity can decline gradually but steadily. If the objective is to strengthen and future-proof Grays, decisions of this nature deserve careful scrutiny and meaningful engagement.

"As elected representatives, coluncillors collectively hold both influence and a public voice. I respectfully urge them to engage with NatWest, seek meaningful dialogue, and explore what options may exist to challenge, reconsider or mitigate this decision. A unified and constructive cross-party approach would demonstrate clear support for residents, local businesses and the future of our High Street.

"Due to the seriousness of this issue I also share my message with our Member of Parliament Jen Craft and hope she will support it."