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.
Heronslea Public Consultation on 25th August Cancelled
The public consultation by Heronslea on the development of Green Belt in Fordbridge Road (see article of 17th August below) has been cancelled. It will now take place at a later date yet to be confirmed. We will update this site just as soon as we have been made aware of any development proposals being put forward and the revised public consultation date. If you have not already done so, please sign up to our weekly e-bulletin at the top of this page.
Checkatrade and WCYT initiatives fo the elderly
Who Can You Trust (WCYT) is a not-for-profit community interest company administered by a semi-retired newspaper editor and set up with the sole aim of alerting and advising people in the 55+ age group about the need to be on their guard against internet scammers, doorstep rogues, fake lotteries, ATM fraudsters, rogue builders, dating tricksters and cheque overpayment fraud. The publications are produced in conjunction with Checkatrade, Surrey Council's preferred supplier of bone fide tradesmen.
The July newsletter for Surrey and the bi-monthly Watch Out magazine - can be viewed as a flip-page version online by clicking here: http://goo.gl/XD3Wn4
Heronslea Group to Develop Old Nursery Site, Fordbridge Road?
The Hertfordshire based company, Heronslea, have indicated their intention to develop the Old Nursery Site in Fordbridge Road and have booked St. Mary's Church Hall on 25th August from 3pm - 8pm to hold a public consultation. Discussions are still ongoing with the local planning authority so further details of the intended development are not yet forthcoming.
LOSRA has expressed its disappointment at the short notice given for this event and we have been advised that the consultation event will be postponed if the pre-application discussions with the LPA have not been concluded in time. We will update the website as soon as we know more.
In the meantime, readers may wish to refer to the latest Keep Kempton Green bulletin 'Developers Circling Old Nursery Site' at the top of this page. As with KKG we are resolutely opposed to the development of our Green Belt in the absence of 'very special circumstances' and, as things stand, it is hard to identify what those 'circumstances' could possibly be.
The Leader of the Council and the Head of Planning Services for Spelthorne Council made their positions very clear at a recent public meeting. Green Belt will not be developed in order to meet a perceived or imaginary housing need. Our local plan makes this very clear.
Good Old Boys Return to Sunbury Cricket Club, 21st August
After a bit of a break while lots of people have been away, Music Nights are back at Sunbury Cricket Club on Friday 21st August when the Club welcomes back THE GOOD OLD BOYS who have always given us a great show when they’ve visited the Club.
They feature a formidable array of experienced performers with illustrious histories in 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 Nick 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) was 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 previous gigs that the contrasting lead guitar styles of Peter and Simon makes for a really entertaining range of rock, blues, R&B and country material. Altogether a very entertaining evening is in prospect!
There’s more info at:
http://www.myspace.com/thegoodoldboysofficialmyspace
Free business advice service for Spelthorne residents
The following email has been received from Joanne Jones, Community Development Manager at Spelthorne Borough Council and is published here for any resident embarking on a business venture or who needs help with an existing one:
As a Spelthorne resident or business did you know that you're now able to access free online business advice via live chat following our recent partnership with business support website, My Incubator Ventures?
Whether you're thinking of starting a business or an existing business looking for a helping hand, this new service allows you to speak to a professional business adviser via a live chat service, saving you the time and money of having to travel anywhere.
Thames 21 - Volunteers Sought for Testing of Thames Water Samples
Regular readers of this site will remember past appeals by Thames 21 to assist in clearing vegetation and rubbish at Sunbury Lock Island. Now this very worthwhile Organisation is appealing for volunteers to participate in a less strenuous enterprise. The following email from Luke Dameron, the Thames 21 Project Officer, is self-explanatory and we have pleasure in reproducing it here:
In celebration of the Thames Festival and partnership with other organisations together we are aiming to test 1,000 water samples taken from the River Thames and its tributaries on one day to get a snapshot of Phosphate and Nitrate levels across the Thames River Basin. We specifically request volunteers to test the waters of the Thames and tributaries with water quality kits provided by us between Maidenhead and Teddington. This will take place during working hours of the 14th of September (Monday) 2015, and would require 1 hour of your time.
The reasons for undertaking this activity are, with increasing rural and urban development around our waterways has led to the increasing rate and high levels of Phosphates (P) and Nitrates (N) that can be analysed. It will provide an opportunity for you to be a part of the team producing a snapshot of water quality across the whole Thames River that will help shape regional decisions, and raise awareness of water quality issues in your local area. Phosphate and Nitrate water testing kits are relatively easy to use and full training will be given via practically or online.
If you would like to be play a part in this great event of the Thames Festival and learn to about your local water quality please get in touch with me directly by 11th of August.
Best wishes
Luke
Luke Damerum
Non-Tidal River Thames Project Officer & Maidenhead – Teddington Catchment Partnership Coordinator
Thames21 ‘Bringing Waterways to Life’
E This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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River Thames Scheme - Public Drop-in Event on Friday 11th September
The following email has been received from John Cooper of the Environment Agency and will be of particular interest to all our local residents but particularly to those who were affected by the winter 2013/20014 flooding:
"I am now able to confirm that a number of public drop-in events about the River Thames Scheme (Datchet to Teddington) will be held in August and September, including one in Sunbury [at the Riverside Arts Centre, Thames Street] on Friday 11th September. There are 9 drop-in sessions in total, spread across the River Thames Scheme area, to give as many people as possible the opportunity to attend. I hope you will be able to attend one of these sessions. There is no need to book and everyone is welcome to any of the drop-in sessions regardless of their location.
"The events are part of our on-going programme of community and stakeholder engagement on the River Thames Scheme. Communities will get to hear about our plans to reduce flood risk to the 15,000 homes and businesses in the area, as well as the work we and our partners have done since the floods last year. Even more importantly, this is a chance for people to share their local knowledge and insights with us, so that we can develop a scheme that achieves the best outcomes possible for all communities between Datchet and Teddington. Finally, the public will be able to tell us how they want to be kept informed and involved as we progress the scheme over the coming years".
For further details click here
Page Engineering Works, Green Street - Site Acquired for Development
Many residents will already be aware that the brownfield site of Page Engineering in Green Street at the junction with Forge Lane is ripe for re-development. The light engineering firm finally closed in October 2014 and, whilst the loss of a long standing local employer is to be regretted, it was inevitable that the land would attract the highest price if sold for residential development.
LOSRA was made aware of the interest shown by Fairview New Homes last month but only last week was it confirmed that the Company had now acquired the land. We have been assured by FNH that full consultation will take place with local residents during the preparation of plans and we have agreed to publish all relevant material and updates on this website.
Yet Another Green Flag Award for Walled Garden
The Walled Garden in Thames Street has won the prestigious Green Flag Award for the fifth year running.
The Green Flag Award scheme recognises and rewards the best green spaces in the country and this year the Walled Garden is one of a record number of spaces to receive the Award.
The historic Walled Garden in Sunbury Park was built in the early part of the 18th Century. Following years of neglect, Spelthorne Borough Council embarked on a project to restore the two acre garden in 1985.
Expert use of trees, shrubs and climbers on the ancient walls, which are 8 to 10 feet high in places, make the garden a beautiful place to visit. The sheer variety of plants provide great inspiration for gardeners and the Lendy Memorial provides an impressive centre piece.
The Walled Garden is open seven days a week, from 7.30am-8.30pm in the summer months.
Those residents who have recently moved to the area may like to know that the historic walled garden in Sunbury Park was most probably built in the early part of the 18th century for the large mansion built on the site for Sir Roger Hudson and there is a drawing in Colin Campbell’s ‘Vitruvius Britannicus’ showing the housing in Sunbury Park in 1714.
Walled gardens were a particular feature of the larger Georgian and Victorian houses, and were used for the growing of high quality fruit and vegetables for the wealthy owner of the house.
Community Recycling Centres up for Review
It is something of an irony that Surrey County Council is undertaking a review of Community Recycling Centres at precisely the time that the Eco Park incinerator, despite huge local opposition, is to be imposed on us at our own Charlton Lane CRC. Some might even call the timing tasteless as residents' confidence - so recently battered by this epic saga of misrule and venal officialdom - is already at a very low ebb.
Nevertheless, our cynicism must be held in abeyance as the review is going ahead regardless, with County's stated aim to "make further savings while maintaining this important [CRC] service to residents". To achieve this, SCC is seeking your views and state that "plans will only be finalised once you have had your say on the options".
The options:
- Introducing charges for non-household waste (such as DIY waste) or not accepting it at all.
- Reducing opening hours on weekdays.
- Closing CRCs on the least busy weekdays.
- Full closure of some CRCs.
- Only accepting waste at CRCs in clear plastic bags.
- Selling good quality second hand items at CRCs.
We are being invited to complete this short questionnaire by 30 September to help SCC ensure they spend the budget on providing the services we need the most.
Gambling Policy Consultation - Views Sought
Spelthorne Council would like your views on a draft revised licensing policy for gambling premises and permits.
The law prescribes that policies have to be reviewed every three years, and also much of what can be included in the policy. However the policy must also reflect local circumstances hence the importance of local consultation. The Council therefore welcomes the views and comments of anyone who would like to make them. Responses can be made by email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by writing to the Licensing Team, Spelthorne Borough Council, Knowle Green, Staines-upon-Thames, TW18 1XB.Your comments will be taken into account in the production of the final version. The closing date for receiving comments is 1 October 2015.
Licensing policies must be prepared in accordance with the Gambling Act 2005 and Guidance on the Act issued by the Gambling Commission. Further information is available from the Gambling Commission www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
The Council's Policy must be published by January 2016. Thereafter it will be reviewed and re-published every three years.
Proposed Natural Play Area in the Orchard Meadow, Thames Street - Public Drop-in event
Readers will recall the application for the siting of a children's natural play area in Orchard Meadow (Planning Ref: 15/00237/FUL) which was published on this site on 17th March.
Spelthorne Council has expressed its gratitude to all those who submitted comments on the proposal and has now arranged for an Information evening about the scheme to be held on Thursday 23rd July from 6 - 8pm at Chennestone Primary School, Manor Lane, Sunbury, TW16 5ED.
The drop-in event will be an opportunity for all residents to discuss the proposals with Spelthorne councillors and officers who will be available to answer questions and provided further information at this information evening.
Information on display at the event will include questions and comments already received from residents.
For further information, please contact Leisure Services on 01784 446433 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
800+ Roads in Surrey to be Given "pothole proof" coatings
They are the scourge of Britain’s dilapidated roads and responsible for seriously damaging hundreds of cars a week. Now Surrey County Council is promising frustrated motorists it can beat the menace of potholes with a new road building technology.
More than 800 roads in Surrey are to be given "pothole proof" coatings over the next three years in an initiative to overhaul more than 300 miles of road. The contractors carrying out the work for Surrey County Council are so confident of their new technique that the roads come with a 10-year no pothole guarantee.
The council, which is believed to be the first in the country to use the technique, has already lined up 177 roads to be rebuilt this year. Engineers will rebuild the roads from scratch and then apply a pothole-resistant coating of special ‘Superflex’ asphalt that is highly water resistant and flexible. By going back to the road’s foundations, engineers say they will also make the roads more resistant to vibrations and movement, meaning less damage.
A spokesman for the council said: “We are not just slapping on another coat of asphalt, we are digging up the road and going back to bare bones. We're relaying the entire foundations."
The council has in the past been criticised for having some of the worst potholed roads in the country.
Jason Russell, the council’s assistant director for highways, said: “We can’t go on papering over the cracks with quick fixes to tired old roads forever. Improvements in road building and new watertight surface treatments such as Superflex mean many of the new roads will come with a 10 year guarantee from the contractor.
“Our main problem is that some of our roads are crumbling at the base, making them very susceptible to damage. This is why we’re planning a £100 million project to rip out our worst roads and rebuild many of them from scratch, making these roads resistant to potholes for a decade"
Comment: It will be interesting to see how much of the new technology finds its way into the improvement of Spelthorne's road networks.
Sunbury Amateur Regatta – Saturday 15th August 2015
The following email has been forwarded to LOSRA by John Lake, the Membership Secretary of the Sunbury Amateur Regatta and is published here:
the cost of entrance to Rivermead Island on the day will be £5.00 per person (for those wishing to become members, this cost is included in the membership ticket price). This year is the 138th Sunbury Amateur Regatta and we look forward to welcoming you to this memorable occasion.
The Members Enclosure enjoys a lovely riverside location for you to relax and enjoy the competitive racing events and entertainment. The Members Bar offers a large selection of wines, beers, spirits, Pimms and soft drinks at lower prices than the main bar. In addition, to stimulate your taste buds we have a variety of food stalls offering delicious foods prepared by local restaurants and bakers.
On the lawn there will be stalls selling arts and crafts, jewellery, boating merchandise, as well as entertainment for children and adults including Tug O’ War, Punch & Judy, pony rides, face painting, mini-tanks, bucking bronco plus many other attractions. At the end of the racing and after prize giving the open-air entertainment begins featuring local bands and singers. The entertainment continues with the illuminated sail past by the Middle Thames Yacht Club at 9.00pm. Followed by the famous grand fireworks finale! The fireworks take place over the river, and form a magical display!
The membership subscriptions remain the same as last year:£9.00 Single Member, £17.00 per Couple and £10 for each Guest.To purchase tickets please go to the website (www.sunburyregatta.com) download, print and complete the ticket application form. You will find a link on the homepage. Please return the completed form by post together with a cheque made payable to Sunbury Amateur Regatta to cover the cost of the items you have selected. (Please be sure to fill-out your full address your Email address and phone number). Membership Ticket Applications must be received no later than Friday 31st July 2015. The dress code in the Members Enclosure is suggested to be smart casual.
Kind regards,
John Lake,
Membership Secretary
