Welcome to the LOSRA Website
As with any other local neighbourhood, the policies and actions which affect the character and future of Lower Sunbury are generally framed and implemented by a combination of local and national government, along with the vested interests and market forces which operate within those frameworks. Lower Sunbury is by no means unique in being under threat from a creaking infrastructure brought about by rapid urban development, the growth of traffic, and other pressures affecting the quality of life and the character of the area.
Working with the local authorities, we see it as the responsibility of residents’ and amenity groups such as LOSRA to address the underlying issues which fundamentally affect their members’ lives, as well as the minutiae of everyday life with which such groups are often concerned.
Please sign up to receive our regular e-bulletins by subscribing via the facility at the top left hand of this page. It goes without saying that, without your continued support we would cease to function so we urge you to join, or renew your membership now Subscriptions (£5 per household) for 2024 are now payable.
Trading Standards Christmas Alerts and Safety Tips
The latest Trading Standards Bulletin may be viewed below. LOSRA joins Trading Standards in wishing all our readers a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Give cold callers the cold shoulder this Christmas!
We have received Intelligence reports of cold callers selling the following products and services:
- Mattresses (beware - these may not comply with flammability standards)
- Massage equipment for the elderly
- More reports about offers of advertising space for businesses in emergency services magazines.
Remember - don't feel pressured into buying goods or services as a result of a cold call. Take your time, do your research and if you want to stop cold callers from knocking at your home them please contact us to obtain a "No Cold Calling Super Sticker"
Recalls
Check your Christmas Cheese Board!
Asda, The Co-operative and Morrisons have withdrawn certain batches of mild cheddar and red Leicester cheese because small pieces of metal may be present in the following products:
- ASDA Smart Price Mild White Cheddar, 385g
- ASDA Smart Price Red Leicester, 385g
- The Co-operative British Mild White Cheddar 250g
- The Co-operative Value Red Leicester
- Morrisons M Savers Mild White Cheddar, 350g
- Morrisons M Savers Mild White Cheddar, 700g
- Morrisons M Savers Grated Mild White Cheddar, 500g
- Morrisons M Savers 10 Mild White Cheddar Cheese Slices, 240g
If you have bought any of the products listed above, please go to the following link for further instructions: http://www.food.gov.uk/news-updates/recalls-news/2012/dec/cheese-metal-withdrawal
Pushchair recall from Bugaboo
Bugaboo is recalling some of their Cameleons and Donkeys pushchairs because the white button on the carry handle may pop out when the bassinet/pram body is resting on the ground or is placed on an unstable surface. If the white button pops out, the carry handle may detach on one side.
If you have one of the affected Bugaboo Cameleons or Donkeys you should remove the current carry handle from the pushchair until a new carry handle has been fitted.
The Bugaboo Cameleons affected by this recall have serial numbers in the ranges:
- S/N 04011090900001 to S/N 04031101009999
- S/N 08011090900001 to S/N 08021100800386
- S/N 140100093600531 to S/N 140103123350418
The Bugaboo Donkeys affected by this recall have serial numbers in the range:
- S/N 170101105300001 to S/N 170104130900500
Affected customers should immediately contact Bugaboo customer services on 0800 587 8265.
Stay safe in your home at Christmas
Christmas is a time when your home is likely to be full of people and it is in the excitement of the season that accidents can easily happen. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has issued 12 safety tips to help prevent your festivities being cut short by a trip to casualty:
http://www.rospa.com/homesafety/adviceandinformation/christmassafety/safety-tips.aspx
New year’s resolutions support
Did you know that you are up to four times more likely to be able to quit smoking if you get some support, rather than going "cold turkey" or attempting to do it alone? Contact your local Stop Smoking Service at www.surreyquit.net for free support to help you kick the habit. You can visit a weekly clinic near you or get support over the telephone. There is no fuss and no cost, just friendly and effective help! Call them now on 0845 602 3608
If you are looking to reduce your alcohol intake then why not try having an alcohol-free January? Feel better, save money and make a difference. http://www.dryjanuary.org.uk/
If you are concerned about someone else’s drinking or your own, local help is available through www.surreydrugcare.org.uk/alcohol/ and for more information go to www.alcoholconcern.org.uk
How green will your Christmas be?
With so many presents being packaged, bought, wrapped and unwrapped at this time of year, what can you do to minimise your impact on the environment? Remembering to reduce, reuse and recycle will help to make your habits greener. For example, cut only as much wrapping paper as you need to cover a gift and separate your recyclable waste as you generate it.
Find out what the Surrey Councils are doing to help secure a greener future for Surrey and what you can do to help:www.surreywastepartnership.org.uk/index.php
Cut food waste and save money this Christmas
As food prices continue to rise around the world, it’s a sobering thought to know that many families waste up to £50 a month throwing away uneaten food. We also know that cutting down on food waste can be a challenge, especially when pushed for time and children don’t always want to eat what has been cooked for them.
To help reduce food waste, take a look at www.lovefoodsurrey.com/component/content/article/231 where Love Food Surrey chef Carmela Tomkins gives her top festive tips to help you plan the perfect waste-free Christmas.
Taking just one small step to reduce food waste can have a big positive effect on the environment and save you money too. Will these tips inspire you to take that step?
For some festive fun you can take a look at our Twitter and Facebook accounts (you don't need to sign up to see these!)
@surreyts facebook.com/surreytradingstandards
Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year from the team at Trading Standards!
Local Tabby Cat in Urgent Need of New Home
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Bandit, a beautiful five year-old tabby cat is urgently seeking a new home as his owners are returning to South Africa this week. He is chipped and neutered, and very affectionate and child-friendly. He has slightly wonky back legs, which means he’s not quite as agile as most cats.
If you are interested in giving Bandit a good home, please contact Desiree, as soon as possible, on 07545 853 521.
Carols in the Meadow and Christmas Market
Lower Sunbury celebrates Advent with its annual community carols event, Carols in the Meadow, which takes place this year on Thursday 13th December at 6.30 in Orchard Meadow on Thames Street. This is always a popular and well-attended start to the Christmas season, with music led by the Salvation Army Band, and Father Christmas putting in an appearance for the children. Mulled wine will also be on offer for a donation and buckets will be passed around to help defray the costs of putting on the event.
This year, once again, the event coincides with the Christmas Market (5pm – 9pm) outside the shops in Avenue Parade which is organised by the Lower Sunbury Business Community. There will be 20 stalls offering arts and crafts, food sampling, presents, jewellery and accessories; so all are welcome to join in the fun and get into the festive spirit.
Don’t let food poisoning ruin your Christmas
The following email from Spelthorne Council has been received by LOSRA and we are happy to reproduce it here:
If there’s one thing guaranteed to ruin your meal with friends, family or colleagues this Christmas, it’s a nasty bout of food poisoning.
But if you’re eating out, how do you know whether the restaurant owner takes food hygiene seriously?
The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme rates the hygiene standards of restaurants and other places that sell food, based on inspections carried out by Spelthorne Council’s Environmental Health staff.
This national scheme, developed by the Food Standards Agency in partnership with local authorities, rates food outlets on a scale ranging from zero at the bottom (urgent improvement necessary) to a top rating of five (very good).
So if you’re organising a Christmas gathering at a local restaurant, pub or hotel, make sure you check the venue’s hygiene rating before you book by visiting http://ratings.food.gov.uk/authority-search/spelthorne
You can also download a free phone app from the Council’s website or look out for the distinctive green and black rating sticker which food businesses are encouraged to display.
Councillor Jean Pinkerton, Spelthorne Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Independent Living said: “When choosing a restaurant you’ll automatically think about the type of food and service offered but I would also encourage you to check their food hygiene rating too. It only takes a minute and you can be reassured that the venue you choose takes food safety seriously and isn’t taking risks which could ruin your Christmas.”
The Beat Legends Come to Sunbury Cricket Club, Friday 14th December
The last Music Night of the year at Sunbury Cricket Club is on Friday 14th December when the Club welcomes The Beat Legends for an evening of wall-to wall Mersey Era classics with the intention of having a real party night to round off 2012's programme of Music Nights.
Yanni, the group's leader, is a veteran of The Cavern in Liverpool, having started his career there in the thick of the '60s Beat Boom, and he played there when club re-opened in 1967.
The music of that era goes down well at the Club, as they've had two cracking nights when the 60s All Stars have played, so it's hoped they will get a good crowd there for a proper festive atmosphere, and maybe even some dancing!
If your Christmas party season hasn't started by then, put a gang of friends together and come down to kick it all off. It will be a fun night. Visit www.thebeatlegends.co.uk for more information.
Trading Standards @lert! PPI, Solar Panels, Rogue Traders & Recalls
With the festive season upon us we can expect an increase in scams and other criminal devices designed to relieve residents of their hard earned cash or savings.
More...
Hydropower Public Consultation Event, Thursday 6th December
A proposed hydropower project at Sunbury Weir has already caused great consternation within the community and especially among riverside residents.
The Company will be consulting residents this side of the river at 3pm on Saturday, 15th December at the Riverside Arts Centre, Thames Street but, in the meantime, have arranged a public consultation event at the Elmbridge Excel Leisure Complex in Waterside Drive, Walton, on 6th December.
Have Your Say on the Proposed Development at the Environment Agency Site on Fordbridge Road
Following the exhibition held last Saturday 24 November the steering group for the development would like to give those who didn’t have the chance to come along to have their say on the latest plans. There are the two options for the development that were presented at the exhibition, along with some indications from the architect on the proposed look and feel for the site.
A draft plan for a pedestrian crossing on Fordbridge Road as well as some improved signage signalling entry to the village are also included. To view plans, click on the links below:
- Highways Treatment (PDF)
- Precedents and Concept (PDF)
- Site Plan Options (PDF)
- Street Elevations and Perspectives (PDF)
If you would like to have your say on the latest plans, there is an online survey you can complete - https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8NBYWDL
If you have any questions or queries on the plans, you may forward these by email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Flood Warning for Lower Sunbury
A flood warning has been issued for the Sunbury area from Walton Bridge to Kenton Court Meadows including Wheatley’s Eyot and Sunbury Lock. It also includes areas to the north of the Thames including Kempton Park and Longwood Business park.
There is a possibility that about 30 properties could be affected. It should be noted that sandbags will only be provided for those most in need.
Further essential information may be found on the Spelthorne Council Website: http://www.spelthorne.gov.uk/
Check if you are at Risk from Flooding
Given the intemperate weather we are currently experiencing, residents may be concerned about the risk of flooding especially as Lower Sunbury has been badly affected in the recent past.
The link below will answer your questions as to whether you are at risk. It will also allow you to sign up for free flood warnings which may be sent to you direct by telephone, mobile, email, text, fax or pager.
It will also explain how you might reduce the impact of flood and what you should do in that event.
Check if you are at risk from flooding and sign up for FREE flood warnings
Latest Alerts from Surrey Trading Standards
Courier Scam:
A Surrey Resident recently received an unsolicited telephone call from a male stating he was from a courier company.The caller explained that the resident was due a delivery and was ringing to confirm the resident would be at home to receive it.
About an hour later a man arrived with basket of flowers and a bottle of wine.The delivery man explained that there was a £3.50 delivery charge and could not accept cash. The resident produced a debit card and the delivery man swiped the card in a mobile card machine and the resident entered their PIN number. The machine produced a receipt for £3.50 so all appeared legitimate.
The following day a total of £4,000 had been withdrawn from the residents account, by means of charges and ATM withdrawals.
Other residents in Surrey have fallen victim to this scam.
Solution: Be wary of accepting surprise gifts at the door and do not use you a credit or debit card for payment.
Please report these or similar instances to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06.
Nottingham Knockers:
Ourselves and the Police refer to these types of fraudsters as 'Nottingham Knockers', because that's where the scam originated.
A team are usually bussed into a locality and dropped off to cold call residents, to flog them overpriced dusters, ironing board covers, etc, supposedly because they've been enrolled in some sort of offender rehabilitation scheme.
Their opening line is usually akin to: "Good morning, sir, my name is Tom and although I've been a bit of a bad lad in the past, I'm now trying to straighten myself out. Would you like to buy some of my goods?"
They may apply pressure to easily swayed residents and display signs of aggression to get them to buy their dodgy goods.
Moreover, requests for glasses of water and to use toilet facilities are sometimes used as a pretext for getting into the properties with a view to distraction burglary.
Linden Homes Invites Residents to Exhibition of Proposals for EA Site, Fordbridge Road
Back in June Linden Homes held an information day exhibiting some early thoughts and plans for the development of the Environment Agency site in Fordbridge Road. They took on board the feedback given at the time and, since then, the steering group (see below) has been working to develop the plans further.
The steering group has been working to the following set of principles:
- Separate access – one for residents, one for the Environment Agency to allow them to continue their vital maintenance work on the river
- 2 storeys as the preferred height across the development, with the option of considering accommodation in the roof (i.e. 2.5 storeys) subject to the agreement of the steering group and the local community
- Density – no more than 50 dwellings on the whole site
- A desire to see as many family homes on the site as possible, subject to the agreement of the local authority and the community
- A commitment to ensure the development is of high quality and fits well within the lower Sunbury community
- A workshop is part of the development and needs to meet the operational needs of the Environment Agency and take account of the needs and concerns of current and future residents and the wider community
- All the parking for the development to be accommodated within the site
- The footpath giving pedestrian access to the Island for Wheatley’s Eyot residents to be retained
Linden Homes will be holding another exhibition this Saturday (24 November ) where you will be able to see the latest plans, talk to steering group members about them and have your say.
The exhibition will be held at the Riverside Arts Centre on Thames Street in Sunbury and will run from 10am to 4pm.
If you are unable to make the exhibition but would like to be sent some information on the plans, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Peter Gilheany on 020 7403 2230.
The Riverside Works Steering Group:
- Jenny Grant, community representative from CAROD
- John Hirsh, community representative from LOSRA
- Chris Wills, community representative from LOSRA
- Helen Hancock, Environment Agency
- Martin Bryan, Environment Agency
- Ben Johnson, Linden Homes
Planning Inspector Approves Development of 44 Units at Police College Site
The Planning Inspector’s decision with regard to the appeal by Linden Homes against the refusal of their 44-unit plan has been made public. She allowed the Appeal.
Nevertheless, in this week’s Surrey Herald, Linden Homes say that, notwithstanding the decision of the Planning Inspector, they intend to proceed with the construction of the 28-unit plan. “We are currently working up the details for implementation of the 28-unit scheme. Demolition of the existing building will commence shortly.”
We are glad to hear that that is Linden Homes intention. After a year of campaigning, two Spelthorne planning committee meetings and the four-day public enquiry for the appeal, we have reached a conclusion satisfactory to the residents and the developer.
Apart from considerable time and effort, the process has cost just over £4700. It is not too late to contribute to help defray this cost. We would be grateful for any donations, no matter how small. Whilst this particular development concerns one corner of Lower Sunbury we believe the threat of over-development affects everyone.
If you would like to contribute, please forward a cheque, indicating that it is for the Linden Homes Appeal, made out to LOSRA, (Lower Sunbury Residents Association), to:
Mrs Colleen Cuthbert, The Secretary, LOSRA, 8 Maryland Way, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex, TW16 6HR
Contributions can also be made via PayPal on this website
Our grateful thanks to those who have contributed a total of £1130 so far.
Planning Application for Gravel Extraction Now Lodged with Council
Further to our autumn 2012 newsletter which may be viewed by clicking 'LOSRA newsletters' at the top of the Home Page and the article published on 25th October (see previous page), CEMEX UK has now made formal application to Surrey County Council for the extraction of gravel from land at Watersplash Farm, Fordbridge Road.
The application includes the erection of processing plant and associated mineral infrastructure, the provision of a new access from Gaston Bridge Road/Green Lane roundabout; restoration involving the importation of inert restoration materials to agriculture, flood meadows, lake and reed beds with public access on the site of 28 hectares; and a temporary diversion of public footpath 53 for the duration of operations.
As a statutory consultee, Spelthorne Council are inviting residents to comment and any representation may be made through the planning portal of the Council Website: http://www.spelthorne.gov.uk/ quoting reference 12/01487/SCC.
