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.
Cattle Grazing Trial in Sunbury Park Starts 3rd September
After a number of false starts (see articles of 21/1/14, 7/3/14 & 3/7/14) the cattle grazing in Subury Park will start on 3rd September with a two month trial.
We are not certain how the trial will be monitored nor how it will be judged to have been a success or failure.
The Friends of Sunbury Park (FoSP) have been closely involved in this project from its inception and will doubtless publicise the results in due course.
Cycle/footbridge Feasibility Study Consultation - Final Report
In 2014, LOSRA commissioned a report by the engineering consultancy Ramboll into the feasibility of a pedestrian/cycle bridge to connect Lower Sunbury with the Thames Path on the Walton side of the river. The report offered five alternative locations for a bridge, with estimated costs ranging from £4.1m to £5.2m.
Following receipt of the report, LOSRA initiated a public consultation through the consulting firm Cratus Communications, generously funded by a private donor.
A total of 911 local residents responded to the feasibility study's options. Overwhelming support for the proposal was shown by 93% of respondents with only 3% against. 4% were undecided or did not show a clear preference.
To see the one-page executive summary, click here
If you have more time for the thorough and detailed report, click here
Since the public consultation, LOSRA has continued to campaign for a pedestrian and cycle bridge.
In 2022, Surrey County Council commissioned a review of the Ramboll report. This review was conducted by Atkins, the well-known engineering consultancy. The Atkins review concluded that the cost of Option B, the most popular location (Flowerpot Green), would range from £21.4m to £33.6m. The substantial disparity between this estimate and the 2015 one, even accounting for inflation, has made LOSRA question the SCC estimate.
By comparison, the Christchurch pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Thames in Reading was completed with a very similar design requirement for £5.9m in 2015, the equivalent of £7.85m in 2022 (according to the Government’s infrastructure cost index). In addition, the reported cost of the 2022 Barnes railway bridge riverside underpass was just £3m.
Most recently, LOSRA has suggested to SCC and the Environment Agency that a new bridge might be included as part of the so-called River Thames Scheme. The RTS, a £640m project (2022 estimate), has been proposed to reduce the risk of flooding between Egham and Teddington. Most relevantly, it incorporates significant ‘active travel’ routes - which would only be accessible to Sunbury residents if there were a bridge at Sunbury. We will continue to press for our bridge.
Update on 'Eco Park' Development
The following update on the 'Eco Park' development at the Community Recycling Centre (CRC) at Charlton Lane has been received by LOSRA:
I am writing to you with some information on the Charlton Lane Community Recycling Centre in Shepperton that is used by residents in your area, which I hope you will find helpful.
During week commencing Monday 24th August we will begin work on a new reuse centre for the recycling centre. The area where this will be built is clear of containers, and hoarding's will be erected to screen the building works from residents using the recycling centre. We therefore anticipate that there will be minimal disruption to the service from these works.
Two weeks later, during week commencing Monday 7th September, works will begin to the rear of the community recycling centre to build a ramp that will link the recycling centre with the Eco Park’s new recyclable bulking facility and install new drainage. Works in this area are expected to continue into late November and the containers at the rear of the site will be unavailable during this period. The site will continue to accept the full range of materials but with a reduced number of containers, and containers for wood, metal, carpet and cardboard will be relocated inside and adjacent to the transfer station building (those inside will be accessed through the windows).
The change to the layout of the containers and the temporary reduction in the number of containers means waiting times may be affected.
To minimise disruption during the forthcoming period of works, extra staff will be on hand to advise visitors of any changes to the layout of the containers and the opening time will be extended to 6pm Monday to Saturday.
We are also taking steps to inform residents who use the site by handing out flyers, placing adverts in the Surrey Advertiser and the Staines Informer and displaying a banner at the site. The information for residents includes details of when the site is less busy (mid-week and earlier in the day) and details of the nearest alternative community recycling centre in Martyrs Lane, Woking.
Further information about the Eco Park can be found at www.ecoparksurrey.uk and if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me.
Kind Regards
Samuel Brownjohn
Recycling and waste recovery UK
Communications Executive
New Speed Tables Create New Problems in Thames Street
Recent changes to the road architecture in Thames Street designed to reduce speed are to be welcomed especially now that it is a designated 20mph zone. Unfortunately one unintended consequence has come to light following a recent downpour, and despite the potential problem having been raised at the initial planning consultation.
A local Thames Street resident's house has been 'battered' by a small river which formed outside his house (illustrated) and which appears to have been caused by poor drainage associated with the newly installed speed tables. The front door to the property swelled and expanded making it impossible for his wife to leave the house. She simply couldn't open the front door. It is reasonable to suppose that further heavy downpours can be expected as the autumn and winter approaches which makes a resolution to the problem a priority.
It may be that other residents in Thames Street have been similarly affected and, if so, are advised to draw it to the attention of our local County Councillor, Tim Evans at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. He has already been made aware of this particular resident's concerns.
Invitation to Next Spelthorne Crime Summit on 22nd September
Kevin Hurley, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, invites residents to attend the next Spelthorne Crime Summit on 22nd September 2015 at Spelthorne Borough Council Offices. It should be noted that space is limited so those wishing to attend are advised to register early.
Rugby World Cup - Closures of the A316 for Twickenham Fixtures
The Rugby World Cup kicks off in just under a month on the 18th September. Many residents were taken by surprise at the closure of the A316 for the England v France warm-up last Saturday. The 'test' closure will be repeated on 5th September for the England v Ireland warm-up fixture. These closures were deemed necessary to iron out any unforeseen promlems ahead of the ten closures which are planned for the Twickenham World Cup fixtures.
To see the relevant RWC dates and rationale behind the transport plan, click here
More...
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.
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.
