Customers 'can't even buy knickers' as shops shut

One of the empty units in London Road, East Grinstead

Shoppers have expressed concerns over the future of a West Sussex high street, claiming they can no longer buy necessities like shoes and underwear.

NatWest bank is the latest business to have shut down in East Grinstead after it closed on Tuesday.

"You can’t even get a pair of proper knickers,” said Shielah Harris, who has lived in the town for 72 years.

Mid Sussex District Council said it was supporting businesses in the town while NatWest said most of its customers were switching to online banking.

Shielah Harris has lived in East Grinstead for 72 years

Clothing store Broadleys shut in May this year after trading in East Grinstead for 130 years, while Clarks shut in March.

The town also saw HSBC close in 2022 and Barclays bank last year, while children's wear store Jojo Maman Bebe shut its doors in May.

Residents say they are concerned that big brands leaving the high street will reduce footfall in the town.

"It's a bit of a loss," said Ms Harris. "I feel sorry for the people who went to NatWest - people still like to go to the bank and do things over the counter."

NatWest said between 2019 and this year, it had seen counter transactions reduce by more than 60%.

Businesses in the High Street fear bigger brands leaving the town could impact footfall

Catherine Wilson, owner of confectionary shop Something Sweet, said: “We need people to support local independent traders on the high street.

"The big chains are moving out and fewer people are coming into East Grinstead."

A report from the Federation of Small Businesses has urged local authorities to create a specialised fund to support pop-ups, markets, and temporary use initiatives for first-time businesses to encourage new ventures on the high street.

Mid Sussex District Council said it was "full committed" to supporting shops and offers "numerous" grants to help businesses in the town.

A spokesperson added: "While the closure of some banks might be concerning, it's not unusual."

It said there were pop-up banks at Kings Leisure Centre.

A NatWest spokesperson said: “As with many industries, most of our customers are shifting to mobile and online banking, because it’s faster and easier for people to manage their financial lives.

“We take our responsibility seriously to support the people who face challenges in moving online, so we are investing to provide them with support and alternatives that work for them.”