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.
Have Your Daughters Been Inspired by England's Recent Successes in the World Cup?
If so, why not introduce them to the Kempton Girls Football Club which caters all 5 - 9 year olds of all abilities. Attendance is free and great fun is guaranteed.
The Riverside Arts Centre Seeks an Hon.Treasurer
The Riverside Arts Centre is seeking an Hon.Treasurer to work,initially, in tandem with the current Treasurer before taking over the role shortly. The position will involve a few hours work per week, attending evening Management Committee Meetings to present the on going accounts-about 6 times a year and preparing the Annual Accounts for audit before presenting them at the AGM. The position will involve close liaison with the Hon.Chairman Eric Champion.
If you feel you are suited to this position and would like to explore the implications of doing so please contact Eric Champion: Hon Chairman: (01932 782850) or Peter Norgate Hon Technical Director (01932 782788) or come to our AGM on Tuesday 14th July to observe role the in more detail. You could make initial contact via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you prefer.
Spelthorne Council welcomes third runway recommendation
The following press release arrived in LOSRA's inbox on 1st July:
Spelthorne Borough Council has welcomed the Airport Commission’s report published today which recommends to government that a third runway be built to the north west of Heathrow.
The Commission’s unanimous recommendation recognises that expanded airport capacity is crucial to the UK’s long term prosperity by providing greater airport capacity and international connectivity.
The report comes with a number of recommended measures to address environmental concerns including noise and air quality and securing a major shift away from private vehicles as means of transport to the airport. The Commission has explained its recommendations would make an expanded Heathrow a better neighbour for local communities than it is today.
Leader of Spelthorne Council, Cllr Robert Watts said: “This is good news for the local and national economy. Along with our MP, Kwasi Kwarteng, Spelthorne has been a long standing supporter of the expansion of Heathrow on economic grounds whilst recognising the environmental and transport impacts must also be addressed. I am pleased the Commission has proposed a series of strong measure to address those environmental and transport concerns.”
Councillor Colin Davis, Cabinet Member for Economic Development said: “The Commission has clearly undertaken a very thorough assessment and recognised the overwhelming economic case for Heathrow’s expansion. It will now be important for the government to consider the report quickly so an early decision can be made allowing detailed plans to then be developed.”
LOSRA is well aware that the expansion of Heathrow is a hugely contentious issue which divides opinion amongst our members. Please use the comments facility below to make your views known.
Waterside Drive Sports Hub Application to be Heard on 6th July
The Elmbridge Planning website states that the Waterside Drive Sports Hub application will be considered by the North Area Planning Sub-Committee (NAPS) on Monday 6th July and, because of the number of objections, it would also be considered at the Full Planning Committee scheduled for 14th July.
For those who have not been following the story, the Development will comprise a new football and athletics stadium with spectator seating and detached two storey building incorporating changing facilities, storage, function and club rooms; floodlighting, additional football and sports pitches, new car park and access road, ancillary storage sheds and spectators shelters, hard & soft landscaping, dog walking area, fenced picnic area/playground and new electric substation following demolition of existing football club and facilities.
LOSRA's objections have been confined to the likely impact of noise and light pollution likely to affect residents on the north bank of the Thames and the adverse effect on the tranquillity of the riverside environment.
'Eco Park' Update
The following email has been received from the Regional Communications Manager, SITA UK and is reproduced here:
As you know work is now underway on the Eco Park development and we thought it would be helpful to update you on progress to date and the communications activity being undertaken. The early works are progressing well, the working area has been fenced and work began last week on building the footpath diversion and access roads. Preparatory works to the rear of the site and inspections and surveys are underway, and temporary site management facilities have been installed.
We have prepared a six-page update for local residents, which will be distributed Wednesday this week and I have attached a copy for your information. Please note that this refers to a new website for the project, which will be launched later in the week and is therefore not currently available.
We have widened the distribution area for this update in response to feedback from Spelthorne Borough Council, and this now takes in around 16,000 homes, including parts of Sunbury Common and Laleham & Shepperton Green wards that weren’t previously included.
We are also holding drop in sessions for local residents at the Sunbury Golf Centre on Charlton Lane on:
- Wednesday 8th July, 3pm to 8pm
- Saturday 11th July, 11am to 4pm
In addition to the update, we are promoting the drop in sessions through posters in the local area.
We are also planning communications about changes to the community recycling centre service to cover the centre’s wider catchment area.
Kind regards,
Emma
Emma Jordan
Recycling and waste recovery UK
Regional Communications Manager
NB. Representations have already been made regarding the scheduling of the drop-in sessions as they conflict with a number of local events which have clearly not been taken into account. To see the six page update, click here: Readers will form their own views on the artist's impressions which depict a truly idyllic environment at the Charlton Lane Community Recycling Centre!
Looking for an Allotment?
If you're looking for an allotment in Spelthorne now is the time to sign up as the Council has vacant plots in four of its sites in the Borough:
- London Road, Staines-upon-Thames
- Groveley Road, Sunbury on Thames
- Oakhall, Sunbury on Thames
- Shortwood North
For more details, click here
More...
The British Blues All Stars Come Sunbury Cricket Club, 3rd July
The big events keep coming to the SCC, because in less than two weeks’ time, on Friday 3rd July, world class blues returns to Sunbury in the form of THE BRITISH BLUES ALL STARS. The show sees the return to the Club of Dave Kelly, who played a sold-out gig at the Club last year. Dave is one of the UK’s very best slide guitarists and singers - he started his career alongside his sister, the late great Jo-Ann Kelly, and with Paul Jones was a founder member of The Blues Band, with whom he has played for 35 years. He has played with a host of blues greats like Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker and Buddy Guy.
Dave is joined by the legendary R&B keyboard star Zoot Money, a regular at the Marquee and Flamingo Clubs as well as the early Jazz & Blues Festivals with his Big Roll Band, and had a hit in 1966 with “Big Time Operator”. He has been a fixture on the scene ever since and is currently playing with Alan Price.
On drums is another major name in Pick Withers, an original member of Dire Straits, playing on their first four albums, including the hits “Sultans Of Swing”, “Romeo & Juliet” and “Private Investigations”, since when he has been much in demand playing with many other top artists.
The line-up is completed by another original and current member of The Blues Band, Gary Fletcher, on bass and Pete Emery, who like Dave Kelly, honed his skills playing the circuit with Jo-Ann Kelly and other quality British bands.
It is something of a coup to get a band of this stature playing in Sunbury, and it will be a night to remember. It will undoubtedly be a busy night, so the Club will be bringing in some extra seating, and will set the room out partly theatre-style so it can be sure to accommodate the numbers they expect the gig to attract as comfortably as possible.
To see full details of the players, click here
Local Plan Review
The following announcement has been sent to LOSRA by Spelthorne Borough Council:
The Council is in the process of reviewing its Local Plan which sets out how much development should be allowed in Spelthorne
The review will have to balance the need for new homes and jobs against the ability to accommodate development taking into account issues such as Green Belt, flood risk and infrastructure. At the end of the review exercise the Council will put forward how much development it thinks can be met to an independent Planning Inspector.
In preparing the Local Plan, the Council has to discuss and share its work with a wide range of other bodies to help understand whether it is taking account of planning issues across a wider area. As part of these discussions Spelthorne and Runnymede Councils have been working together to look at housing needs across their combined area over the next 20 years in a Housing Market Assessment.
The assessment is required by government and must consider future housing needs based on population and jobs growth without taking into account whether the Borough can meet this. As such, these figures are what would be required in an ideal world to meet this assessed demand, rather than what the Borough can accommodate. This aspect will be explored at a later stage as a separate part of the review of the Local Plan. Only after this will any decisions be taken.
A draft of the housing market assessment is due to be considered by Cabinet on 24 June. If agreed, the Council will be seeking views on the draft assessment in accordance with the Council’s proposed Statement of Community Involvement. The assessment will be just one part of the evidence to inform the review of the Local Plan.
Cllr Vivienne Leighton, Cabinet Member for Planning and Corporate Development said: “The Local Plan will set out the levels of development we expect to see in the Borough to 2033 and the Housing Market Assessment is a new statutory requirement which forms just one part of the evidence to inform this. I must stress these figures are not the end result; this will be curtailed by the physical capacity of the Borough. To involve stakeholders at the earliest opportunity and before key decisions have been made we are publishing our draft Housing Market Assessment from 25 June on our website and welcome comments from residents and businesses.”
Cllr Richard Smith-Ainsley, Chair of the Planning Committee said: “The draft Housing Market Assessment is due to be published on 25 June and will be available for comment on the Council’s website. A separate exercise to establish the amount and type of housing the Borough can sustain will be carried out later. This will take into account all of the factors, such as Green Belt and flood plain that restrict development in Spelthorne.”
LOSRA expects to take an active part in the Review and has asked to be represented on the Stakeholder Forum which will be involved throughout the Review period. That request has been agreed.
The Sunbury and Shepperton Arts Association Announces its Summer Programme
Starting on 17th July, this year's Festival presents a ten day programme of events covering a variety of art forms.
Drama and Comedy:
The Laughing Chili Comedy Club gets the Festival off to an entertaining start and then later in the week Chester House Productions treat us to the story of Florence Nightingale.
Talks and Demonstrations:
Returning by popular demand, renowned crossword setter Tim Moorey will give a talk on Dr Johnson and his Dictionary; Francesco from local restaurant 'Little Italy' gives an Italian cookery demonstration; for art lovers, John Spink will talk to us about the Golden Age of British Watercolours.
We are delighted that Shepperton Studios will again host a talk about the history and future of our famous local film studios.
Music and Dance:
A rare chance to see and hear Italian music and dance is brought to us by Amaraterra; the David Way String Trio play Beethoven, Breval and Bach followed by a Cream Tea; a musical drama 'Alive to Tell the Story' telling the last days of Jesus' life through the words of Lazarus is presented by Sunbury Methodist Church. Our final musical event is a Coffee Concert given by the young and exciting Ellis Ensemble.
Boat trip:
To round off the Festival, join us for a boat trip from Walton to Chertsey and back. Local historian, Nick Pollard, will tell us about the history of the islands and riverside.
With the exception of the Shepperton Studios talk and the Boat Trip, all events will be held at the Riverside Arts Centre, 59 Thames Street, Lower Sunbury
Booking for the Festival is now open - please telephone the Box Office on 01932 567 365 to book your tickets.
Festival details and a booking form are also published in all Village Matters magazines and may be viewed here.
Does Anyone Recognise this Cat?
Two days ago this very handsome looking cat took up residence at St. Mary's parish church, Sunbury.
Attempts to contact the owner by calling the phone number on its collar have been unsuccessful.
Do you recognise the cat and can you help find its owner? If so, please get in touch.
Patients Participation Group Meeting at Sunbury Health Centre, 15th June
The next Open Meeting of the Patients' Participation Group will be held at Sunbury Health Centre on Monday 15th June at 6.30pm.
It will be seen from the attached notice that whilst general comments, suggestions or questions from patients will be welcomed, it will not be the appropriate forum for discussing individual cases or issues.
Residents Offered Free Online Business Advice
Spelthorne Borough Council has partnered with the online business support service, My Incubator Ventures (MIV), to offer local residents free access to online business advice.
Residents of the Borough will now be able to speak with professional business mentors online in real-time* from the comfort of their home, office or whilst on the move. Whether it’s start-up advice or advice for an existing small business that’s needed, MIV’s experienced mentors can help.
The MIV website contains a wealth of business information including useful articles and templates which can be downloaded. MIV users can also keep up-to-date with the latest news and events happening in the small business world.
To use the MIV live chat service, visit www.spelthorne.gov.uk/miv
In December 2014, MIV won the ‘Future of Enterprise Support’ award at the National Enterprise Network awards, an award that recognises ‘exceptional innovation’ in the enterprise industry. Director of MIV, Greg Thomas, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Spelthorne Council and this is fantastic news for residents in the area. We hope that this will inspire further enterprise and give existing businesses the opportunity to seek the support they may need.”
* Business mentors are available to chat to between 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday (*excluding bank holidays).
The Manor Players Presents: 'Three Years a Prime Minister' 18 - 20th June at the Riverside Arts Centre
This is the true story of Spencer Perceval, the only British PM ever to have been assassinated.
The characters are real or based on persons alive in the early 19th century as the Prime Minister struggled with opposition from all sides. Napoleon, the Prince Regent, the fight to abolish slavery; the unrest in the North, trade blockades, the madness of King George; and a belligerent USA...
His enemies were numerous, but who was behind his killing, carried out by a disaffected businessman?
Written and Directed by Geoff Buckingham whose earlier success was "Violette - the Fight for Freedom" 20 actors; 42 scenes; 36 characters; period costumes... A theatrical experience not to be misse.
Doors Open at 7:15PM Starts at 7:45PM Ticket Price: £8 - £10
Box office Call: 0777 145 8696
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Trembling Wilburys Come to Sunbury Cricket Club, 19th June
The next Music Night is on Friday 19th June, when the Club welcomes for the first time The Trembling Wilburys. The Club doesn't normally feature tribute bands, but this one is very different, because within their seven-piece line-up they have the talent to perform not just the repertoire of the Travelling Wilburys, but also that of the five legendary stars who came together to form what was a unique blend of styles.
The evening will provide a veritable cavalcade of rock cameos, as alongside the Travelling Wilburys’ material, they do Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne songs as well. The band includes Dzal Martin on guitar, originally with No Dice and now also with Terry Reid and The Equals, as well as the uncanny George Harrison persona of Glen Knowler, and Dave Collison recapturing Roy Orbison in startling fashion. They’ve been doing some high-profile gigs around the country and in Europe. Full information may be found at www.tremblingwilburys.co.uk
