Welcome to the LOSRA Website
Like any local community, the policies and decisions shaping the character and future of Lower Sunbury are influenced by a combination of local and national government initiatives, alongside market forces and vested interests operating within these frameworks. As with many areas, Lower Sunbury faces challenges stemming from an aging infrastructure, rapid urban development, increasing traffic congestion, and other pressures that impact both quality of life and the distinctive character of the neighbourhood.
In collaboration with local authorities, other residents’ associations and amenity groups, LOSRA plays a vital role in addressing fundamental issues that affect its members' lives. This organisation not only engages with broader strategic concerns but also focuses on the everyday matters that shape community well-being.
To stay informed, we encourage you to subscribe to our regular e-bulletins via the link at the top left of this page. Your continued support is essential to our efforts, and we urge you to join or renew your membership. Subscriptions for 2026 are now payable at £5 per household. Donations are also welcome.
Police force merger plans – have your say in PCC’s survey
Surrey residents are being invited to share their views about proposals to merge police forces in a survey launched this week by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend. The Government intends to scrap the current 43 force system in England and Wales and create larger regional forces in their place in plans announced earlier this year. It would likely mean Surrey Police will disappear and be merged with neighbouring forces in Sussex, Thames Valley, Kent and Hampshire to form a regional ‘mega force’ in the south east.
Although an independent review is being carried out to advise the Government on how to take the plans forward, the public are not being consulted meaning it’s unclear if there is wider support for the merger plans.
The brief survey only takes a few minutes to complete and will be open until Monday 17 August. You can fill it in HERE.
PCC Lisa Townsend said: “I make no bones about it - I am concerned that a merger with other forces would result in resources being pulled away from our communities to support higher crime areas leaving Surrey with a second-rate service. This is my opinion however and I know it may not be shared by everyone. But this is really important for the future of policing and that is why I want to ensure the public of Surrey have a voice. I will publish the survey results later this summer and share them with those who are making the decisions around force mergers. So please do take a few minutes to fill in the survey and let me know your thoughts.”
Chairman's Address to the AGM 2026
Many thanks to all our supporters who turned out for our AGM most especially because it coincided with England's opening game of the World Cup. For those who were unable to make it, the Chairman's report may be viewed here.
2025 AGM Minutes and Annual Accounts
Friends of Sunbury Park - Update
An article in the recent AGM newsletter made reference to the Friends of Sunbury Park with an undertaking to post an update on this website.
Please Sign the Kempton Park Petition
Following publication of the article in our AGM newsletter (published on 30th May), we now publish the petition drawn up by our local MP, Lincoln Jopp. You are urged to sign it at: https://www.
A Synopsis of the The Local Plan
The AGM newsletter was posted on this Site on 30th May, In that newsletter reference was made to the new Local Plan with an undertaking to publish it here.
More...
The Riverside Players of Sunbury Bring A Bunch of Amateurs to the RAC, 2nd - 4th July
A Bunch of Amateurs
Riverside Arts Centre Charity Survey
The LOSRA AGM will take place on Wednesday 17th June at the RAC
Spelthorne Launches New Consultations on Future Planning Guidance
Spelthorne Borough Council has launched two new consultations inviting residents to help shape future development in the Borough. Local people can now comment on draft guidance covering affordable housing and climate change through the new Shaping Spelthorne engagement hub.
Two draft Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) are open for four-week consultation and responses can be received via the new Shaping Spelthorne: Strategic Planning Engagement Hub on Commonplace (see here). The hub will make it easier for residents to take part in consultations related to strategic planning work, all in one place.
Local people can have their say now on the draft planning guidance open from today. Please see more information about these consultations below:
Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)
The Council are consulting on the draft Affordable Housing SPD, which provides guidance to support the delivery of affordable housing under the new Spelthorne Local Plan. It explains:
- when affordable homes are required,
- what types and sizes are expected,
- how they should be designed and integrated into developments, and
- when financial contributions may be accepted instead of on‑site provision.
To find out more, there is also an online drop-in on Wednesday 27 May from 6pm- 8pm via Teams. Further details of the event can be found here.
Anyone interested in coming along to the event can let the Council know, along with asking any questions beforehand, by filling out the following short form here.
Climate Change Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)
The Council are also consulting on an update of the adopted Climate Change SPD 2023. This SPD sets out how new development in the borough can help to:
- reduce the effects of climate change, and
- adapt successfully and resiliently to a changing climate.
The revised SPD aligns with Spelthorne’s Climate Change Strategy 2022- 2030 and the Spelthorne Local Plan 2024- 2039/40 and supports the Council’s ambition to achieve Net Zero by 2030.
How to Respond to the Consultations
Both consultations run for four weeks from Thursday 8 May 2026 until 3pm on Friday 5 June 2026.
The most straightforward way to respond is via an online survey on the new engagement hub, see below:
Anyone interested in one or both consultations is welcome to submit responses.
The SPDs and associated documents can be viewed and downloaded on the consultation pages at the links above. Alternatively, printed copies are available in-person at libraries around the Borough and the Council Offices during office hours.
Other ways of submitting consultation responses, such as via email or in writing, are also set out in the links above, as well as further details about the consultations and FAQs.
If you have any questions, please let us know. We would appreciate if you could share this opportunity for local people to have their say on these planning documents with your community contacts.
On Behalf of the Strategic Planning Team
Spelthorne Borough Council
Council Offices, Knowle Green, Staines-upon-Thames, TW18 1XB
Tel: 01784 444205
For more information about how we store and retain your personal data, please look at our Strategic Planning privacy notice.
Brentford Community Sports Trust Sessions and Programmes at the Hazelwood Centre
Only Few Days Left to Complete The 2026 Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Survey
The Surrey Police runs the survey annually and it is a vital way of them learning about the ASB issues that matter to us in our neighbourhood.
We know that ASB is not a minor issue for those involved, and that persistent ASB can be an indicator of serious and organised crime, such as exploitation.
This survey is an important tool for them to help understand the issues we face, the impact it has on us, and how they can improve their response to ASB.
The survey is open until Tuesday, 5 May. It should only take 5-10 minutes to complete, and your answers will form the basis of the work they carry out going forward to reduce ASB where you live.
You can access the survey here: https://www.smartsurvey.
Runnymede and Spelthorne Volunteer Awards 2026 - Coordinated by Voluntary Support North Surrey
Nominations for the Runnymede and Spelthorne Volunteer Awards 2026 are now open. Please nominate the volunteers in your communities to highlight their dedication and hard work. Please use this online form to nominate. The deadline for nominations is 8th May.
All nominees will be invited to a special awards ceremony on 9th June at Royal Holloway, University of London.
The Award Categories for 2026 are:
- Unsung Hero Award – Recognising those behind the scenes such as a helpful trustee or someone working hard to support other volunteers and staff.
- Inspirational Volunteer Award – For volunteers who have made a huge difference to your cause and whose passion and dedication inspire others to make a difference.
- New Volunteer Award – For those volunteers who are new to volunteering and have been in their post for at least a year.
- Long-Service Award (for 10+ years of service) – For our long-standing volunteers who have been volunteering for more than 10 years.
- Volunteer Team Award – To recognise a volunteer team’s collaborative efforts and contributions to residents of Runnymede and Spelthorne.
- Fundraiser of the Year Award – Honouring both individuals and teams for their passionate and/or innovative approaches to fundraising, regardless of the amount raised.
- Engagement in the Community – Recognising businesses that actively support local charities and non-profits, making a positive impact through their corporate social responsibility efforts.
Candidates announced ahead of West Surrey Council elections
The list of candidates standing in the new West Surrey Council elections on 7 May has now been published. Residents in Spelthorne can now see who is standing to represent them in the new unitary authority.
In total 452 candidates are standing for 90 seats across 45 wards in the West Surrey Council elections and 379 candidates are standing for 72 seats across 36 wards in the East Surrey Council Elections.
Spelthorne candidates are available at Statement of Persons Nominated | Spelthorne Borough Council. Details of all those standing can be found on the Future Surrey website at surreylgrhub.gov.uk/candidates
Those living in areas covered by Spelthorne, Guildford, Runnymede, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking council areas will vote in the West Surrey Council elections. Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge councils will vote in the East Surrey Council Elections.
Electors will be able to vote for up to two councillors to represent their ward in these elections. Click here for further details.
