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.
Pensioners Still in the Scammers' Sights
The scam drawn to your attention in December is sill doing the rounds. The intended target gets a recorded message saying he/she is due an immediate pension bonus and, as the case is urgent, the target must immediately respond by pressing 5 or sometimes a 9 on the phone's keypad.
Trading standards officers are aware of this scam and say: "The scammers are telephoning and may well say they are from the Pension Helpline and claim that you are due a £1,000 bonus. Callers may even be able to provide you with some personal information such as name and address. Protect yourself and never provide any personal information to these callers or any cold caller."
This scam is aimed at pensioners, but there may well be variations aimed at other age groups.
For the rest of the Trading Standards most recent alert, click here
Surrey and SITA concede over Eco Park incinerator
Following Spelthorne Council’s application for Judicial Review, Surrey County Council and SITA Surrey Ltd have confirmed to the High Court that they will not build the disputed incinerator at the Eco Park at Charlton Lane.
In order to avoid further public expenditure on a costly Judicial Review, Spelthorne Council suggested that the County Council and SITA should give the Court a clear written statement that they would not implement that part of the permit which relates to the disputed gasifier.
Leader of the Council Robert Watts said: "This is an important concession which the Council has won from the Environment Agency, Surrey County Council and SITA. Despite all the explanations which the Environment Agency gave to us, we were still concerned for the safety of our residents. Our legal advice was clear that the permit would potentially allow pollution in excess of that which was legal under European Law. As a new permit is about to be negotiated for a new design of technology, it was important to make this point and stand up for the best interests of Spelthorne residents. We will be fully involved in the negotiation of any new permit to make sure that any new design does not have the same issues which have dogged this application and the failed incinerator at Dargavel in Scotland.”
SITA and the County Council have confirmed that they intend to apply for a variation to the existing permit to allow for a new design of incinerator. This application is expected shortly. The Borough Council will be consulted as part of the process and will be assessing the permit application to make sure it complies with European Law.
Readers of this Site will be aware that LOSRA, in conjunction with SATEP (Shepperton Against the Eco Park). has fought a long and hard battle against the installation of an incinerator of unproven technology in the centre of a populated area. We have together spent £8400 in legal fees and countless hours examining the hundreds of pages of technical specification so that we were able to challenge this project on sound scientific grounds; and to ask questions of SITA which were never satisfactorily answered.
We are very grateful for the support of the Planning Office and Legal Services Department of Spelthorne Borough Council without which the challenge to the Environment Agency permit would not have been affordable or even possible. It must however be emphasised that this success represents a 'round one' victory only and we await a further application by Surrey County Council.
2 Exciting Music Events Coming up at Sunbury Cricket Club, 8th and 22nd February
Sunbury Cricket Club apologies for the late cancellation of the Good Old Boys gig (see article of 8th January) because of the snow. Fortunately, nearly everyone got the message in time.
The next Music Night is on Friday 8th February when the SCC welcomes The Jackie Lynton Band. Jackie is one of the larger-than-life characters of the British music scene, with a colourful career that goes back to the late '50s when he had a residency at the legendary 2is coffee bar in Soho, and was part of the equally legendary Larry Parnes package tours of the day. He had recording deals with Pye, EMI and Decca during the '60s and early'70s but the elusive big hit single never came, despite numerous releases, produced by the likes of Tony Hatch and Mark Wirtz, and featuring the top sessions players of the day - his version of The Beatles' "Little Child" includes a guitar solo by Jimmy Page, and was recently revived on Brian Matthew's "Sound Of The '60s" programme on Radio 2. In between times, he helped decorate John Lennon's Weybridge house!
The '70s saw him joining The Savoy Brown Blues Band, touring the USA with ZZ Top, and while there establishing a relationship with Colin Pattenden, a Sunbury resident who was touring with Manfred Mann's Earth Band, and who now plays bass in Jackie's Band. He also hooked up with Status Quo, for whom he later wrote "Again And Again", and with whom he still occasionally guests during their tours. The '70s also saw him establish The Jackie Lynton Band, with an appearance on "The Old Grey Whistle Test" and at the Reading Festival, and which has been through a variety of incarnations over the years, but has been the vehicle for the development of his highly individual stage act and a string of albums. Jackie is a marvellous raconteur and has written comedy scripts for the likes of Jim Davidson as well as appearing in bit parts on TV shows like "The Bill".
We are guaranteed a thoroughly entertaining evening of rock 'n' roll and lively banter with Jackie and his band, which as well as Colin Pattenden on bass, includes Adrian "Spud" Metcalfe, formerly with The Nashville Teens, on drums, and Mike Windus and Chris Bryant on guitars - Chris runs the renowned guitar shop "Chris Bryant Guitars" in London's Charing Cross Road, so knows a thing or two about the instrument! I do urge you to read the extensive biog under "Who?" on Jackie's web site at www.jackielynton.com - it's very entertaining, and there's some 'live' video there as well. We look forward to seeing you on the 8th Feb.
Following the cancellation of the Good Old Boys, the gig has been re-arranged for Friday 22nd February - it's appreciated that it's a half-term weekend for some people, so apologies if you can't make it - but the band were keen to get it back in the book as soon as possible, and SCC were also keen not to lose an event from the calendar while trying to maximise bar takings before the end of the financial year at the end of March, since, as you can imagine, the terrible weather during the summer meant that a lot of cricket matches were lost, which, like all cricket clubs, has affected their turnover significantly, so your support for the Music Nights is very important to the Club and much appreciated.
Gravel & Sand Extraction, Watersplash Farm - Application Lodged with Surrey CC
Further to the notice published on this Site on 16th November 2012 in which, as statutory consultees, Spelthorne Council invited comments, a similar invitation to residents is now being made by Surrey County Council.
For ease of reference, CEMEX UK Operations Limited has applied to Surrey County Council for planning permission to extract concreting aggregate from land at Watersplash Farm together with the erection of processing plant and associated mineral infrastructure; the provision of a new access from the Gaston Bridge Road/Green Street roundabout; and eventual restoration involving the importation of inert restoration materials to agriculture, flood meadows, lake and reed beds with public access on a a site of 28 hectares; and temporary diversion of public footpath 53 for the duration of operations. The application is accompanied by an environmental statement.
Copies of the application, plans, the environmental statement and other documents submitted with the application can be inspected at the Planning Service, Spelthorne Borough Council Offices during office hours.
Representations about this application should be sent in writing to Alan Stones, Planning Development Control Team Manager (ref:SP12/01487), Planning Development Group, Surrey County Council, County Hall, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2DY or by email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The closing date is 13th February.
Girls, You Too Can Get Involved in the Beautiful Game
Football is the nation's No.1 female team participation sport and currently has 1.38m women and girls up and down the country playing the game regularly.
Sport England’s Active People survey in 2011 highlighted that 275,300 adult women play some form of football in England. This demonstrates that women's football is now the third largest team sport behind only men's football and men's cricket. Indeed, FIFA has recently confirmed that there are 29m females playing football across the world.
It's vital that young girls are introduced to football from a young age if they hope to succeed in the adult game, or, if only for the enjoyment of it and for the fitness benefits that the game confers.
Here in Sunbury we are very lucky to have the Kempton Girls Football Club which is offering mini football to 5 - 11 year old girls on Saturday mornings. To see the flier, click here
Latest TS Alert Includes Fake Updates from Google Chrome and a Royal Mail Scam
The latest Trading Standards Alert may be viewed by clicking here
More...
Police College Site, Green Street - 28 Homes Plan Confirmed
LOSRA has today seen documentary proof that Linden Homes will now be proceeding with the development of 28 homes on the Police College Site in Green Street.
Readers will remember that the developers successfully appealed against a decision to refuse the development of 44 units but have nevertheless decided to proceed with the lower density development. (see articles for 14/9/12; 27/9/12; 25/10/12 & 16/22/12).
This news comes as an enormous relief to us and to all our members who fought so hard against what we perceived to be an over-development of the site.
A Last Chance to Save Hampton Court Railway Station
Readers will remember the articles published on this Site on 24th July and 31st August 2012 regarding the application by Andrew Roberts to convert to parkland, the Jolly Boatman Riverbank at Hampton Court. In a most unexpected step, Elmbridge Planning Officers used their delegated powers to approve the application. Nevertheless, and despite this, application has been made to Elbridge Council for the part demolition of the Hampton Court Railway Station. Whilst not within the LOSRA geographical area, we along with all neighbouring residents' associations, are adding our support in the campaign to save this important heritage asset but time is running short and you are urged to view the following short video and submit your comments.
Bikers' Reunion
Surrey Police are taking over an empty retail unit next Saturday and Sunday the 19th & 20th January to try and reunite owners with bicycles that are believed to have been stolen in north Surrey and borders. If your bike has been lost or stolen you are invited to come along and see if your bike is among the 50 on display. The retail unit is situated in at the bus station end of the Elmsleigh Centre in Staines-Upon-Thames and will be manned by the police from 10am to 4pm each day.
Detective Constable Paul Rennison said: "We have reviewed crimes in north Surrey and just over the border in the Thames Valley and Metropolitan Police areas but have been unable to link these bicycles to any burglaries or thefts. I would urge anyone whose bike has been lost or stolen to come along and check whether theirs is among those on display.
Anyone coming along on the day is asked to bring any documentation they have about their bicycle and any police crime reference numbers they have if it has been reported as stolen property.
If you are unable to attend on either of these days but have had a bike stolen which you have not reported to the police, then please call 101 to report the theft with a detailed description of the bicycle, including a serial number if possible."
Richard III Comes to the Riverside Arts Centre 30th Jan - 2nd Feb
Modern, with a hint of medieval - that is the promise made by Gill Lambourn, the director of the Shakespearean classic. Gill has been researching other performances of the Play and taking inspiration from their costumes, staging and production to put on a dynamic and modern performance of the 16th century drama.
Ms Lambourn said: "I have tried to make a modern and dynamic production, and easy for people to follow. Without cutting it would have been over three hours long, so I have shortened it a bit."
Costumes for the 21 strong cast include full-length coats and there are several fight scenes in the play, to be staged at the Riverside Arts Centre, Thames Street. The Play will run from Wednesday 30th January at 7pm until Saturday 2nd February. Tickets cost £10 and may be purchased from the box office on 07505 206757.
Council Calls on High Court over Eco Park permit
As an active campaigner against the installation of an incinerator in Charlton Lane, LOSRA is encouraged to report that Spelthorne Council this week applied to the High Court to have a Judicial Review of the Environment Agency decision to grant a permit for the Eco Park in Charlton Lane, Shepperton.
This was because the Council has concerns about pollution and safety issues and the deadline to request a review was imminent.The Council took legal advice following the announcement of the Environment Agency on 8 October 2012 that it had issued a permit to the planned Eco Park.
The Council sought advice on various matters concerning the process by which the permit was issued and the matters which were taken into account by the Environment Agency. On 14 December 2012 the Council wrote to the Environment Agency asking for answers on the following issues:
- The legality of the conditions imposed.
- Whether the permit satisfies the requirements of EU law.
- Whether the Environment Agency’s approach to the adoption of this novel technology is permissible given experience elsewhere and the requirements of EU law.
On the basis of the answers the Council may receive, it will then consider whether it should continue with the Judicial Review of the Environment Agency’s decision to issue a permit.
Council Leader Frank Ayers said: “Issues of safety are high among the Council’s priorities.This move is obviously not something which we wish to take on lightly, but when the Council received legal advice that the permit appeared to allow pollution from vents at three times the level permitted under EU law – we had to take action to protect our residents.“The decision to act was made after consultation with the Cabinet Members for Environment and Planning – Cllrs Watts and Forsbrey. We look forward to the response of the EA and we hope that our concerns for residents’ safety can be satisfied without the need for expensive drawn-out litigation in the High Court”.
Further information and documents relating to the Eco Park can be found on our website at http://www.spelthorne.gov.uk/article/2760/Eco-Park-proposal
By way of further explanation it may be helpful to explain that on Monday this week, 7 January 2013, the Council issued High Court proceedings for a Judicial Review of the Environment Agency decision to grant a permit to the Eco Park in Charlton Lane Shepperton.The formal “letter before action” delivered to the High Court is a required part of the process to make an application for a Judicial Review under the rules of the High Court.
The Environment Agency has not responded to these points yet but has indicated that it will be able to do so by 18 January 2013. In order to protect its position the Council was forced to issue papers with the High Court in London yesterday as the deadline for the Judicial review ran out on 8 January 2013.
SITA (Surrey) Ltd and Surrey County Council are interested parties to the Judicial Review and have been sent formal copies of the letter before action.
To see the BBC News story, "Shepperton Eco Park may face judicial review", click here.
Good Old Boys Return to Sunbury Cricket Club 18th January
A Happy New Year is extended to all and Sunbury Cricket Club brings a fun night of music to ward to ward off the January depression. The first one of the New Year is on Friday 18th January when SCC welcomes back The Good Old Boys, who made their Club debut just about a year ago and gave us a great evening.
They feature a formidable array of experienced performers from a variety of big name bands, led by Nick Simper (bass/vocals) who first played professionally with Johnny Kidd & The Pirates, going on to play with The Flowerpot Men before becoming a founder member of Deep Purple.
After he left Purple, he played with Marsha Hunt, that band morphing into Warhorse, who made albums for Vertigo. After Warhorse, he went on to form Flying Fox and then Fandango.
Peter Parks (guitar/vocals) was also in Warhorse,and then stayed with through the Fandango era in the ‘80s. Simon Bishop (guitar/vocals) toured with Renaissance, High Society, and The Monks (of “Nice Legs, Shame About The Face” fame), while Richard Hudson (drums/vocals) had been a long-time member of the south-west London scene as percussionist with high profile hit-makers The Strawbs and then Hudson Ford. He was also with Elmer Gantry's Velvet Opera, High Society and The Monks; Alan Barratt (lead singer) was with the British band Jo Jo Gunne and has worked alongside the likes of Chip Hawkes (Tremelos) and Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers.
It goes without saying that they are a top class outfit and we know from their last gig that the contrasting lead guitar styles of Peter and Simon makes for a really entertaining range of rock, blues, R&B and country material and we very much look forward to seeing them again. Doors open at 8.30, entrance £7.50.
There’s more info athttp://www.myspace.com/thegoodoldboysofficialmyspace, http://www.strawbsweb.co.uk/related/gob/gob.asp and www.nicksimper.com
Volunteers Wanted for Vegetation and Litter Clean-up on Sunbury Lock Island
As our regular readers will be aware, Thames 21 extended its remit to include the non-tidal reaches of the Thames and will again be coming to Sunbury Lock Island on Sunday 27th January from 10am - 1pm. This location is a charming part of the Lower Sunbury riverscape and we are being asked to join a team to give it a clean-up.
Volunteers are needed to help with removing litter and managing the vegetation. It will also be a great opportunity to learn about the environment, spot wildlife and meet new people. Volunteers are asked to report to the footbridge ahead of the lock at 10am. Old clothes recommended but all necessary equipment will be provided.
Details of the public events are also on the Thame21 website www.thames21.org.uk/events/
Luke Damerum of Thames 21 adds "Additional events may be added as we develop the winter programme so watch this space and please feel free to offer up any ideas and new contacts. I very much look forward to meeting you and your friends at these events."
