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.
Police Notice - No Reason to be Alarmed!
Police in Spelthorne are urging the public to stay on their guard after elderly and vulnerable residents in Sunbury-on-Thames have been recently contacted by cold callers.
A number of residents have been visited by cold callers representing security companies and saying that there they are selling burglar alarms as part of a burglary campaign in the area.
Company Representatives give residents the impression that the alarm is sponsored and supported by Surrey Police and that the alarm itself is free, but that the lifetime monitoring service costs in excess of £2000.
Surrey Police has received several reports of such incidents.
Spelthorne Neighbourhood Inspector Ian St. John said: "Fortunately on these occasions no one signed up to the offer and no money was handed over but these unwanted calls can be extremely distressing for elderly people, often trying to catch them off guard and convince them to have security systems installed that they may not want or need.
"I would like to make it clear that Surrey Police does not endorse any alarm or security companies and we would urge residents to treat any free offers with caution as there may be hidden costs for monitoring.It is also worth noting that by law cold callers must offer a seven-day cooling off period before starting any work. If members of the public are considering buying an alarm they should avoid cold callers and preferably obtain a number of quotes from reputable companies. Surrey Police can provide advice about crime prevention, which could include a visit from our Crime Prevention Officer.
"The Safer Neighbourhood Teams across the borough are aware of the recent reports and we are working closely with our colleagues at Surrey Trading Standards to monitor any reports of cold calling.”
Anyone with concerns about companies should call Trading Standards' consumer direct on 0845 4040506.
Private Eye Keeps its Eye on Surrey County Council's Shenanigans
If you employ, as consultants, a company that builds and runs waste incinerators and ask for a waste disposal solution, don't be surprised if an incinerator is recommended. Not any old existing incinerator, but one that needs to be built and run by that company. If that company can call it a gasifier and then claim up to three times the financial benefits, so much the better.
Readers will remember the Private Eye 'Rotten Boroughs' article published here on 11th December.
This week's edition of the magazine features 'Old Sparky' which is reproduced here
WANTED - Partnership Governors for Hawkedale Infants School
The following email has been received by LOSRA and is published on behalf of Hawkedale Infant School:
Dear Sir/Madam
I am a school community Governor at an infant school in Sunbury. The school is looking for more Partnership Governors.
Hawkedale School is a small infants school with 90 children aged 4 - 7 years old, situated in Lower Sunbury. The governing body currently has vacancies for partnership governors (those from the outside community).
The governing body has general responsibility for the conduct of the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement. It is a considerable responsibility and in order to be an effective governor there is a need to learn about current educational developments and practices.
If you are able to commit time and would be interested in supporting our school by making one of the most valuable and worthwhile contributions to the education of young people or would like to know more, please contact Mrs Lisa Willard, Chair of Governors, on tel: 01932 789412 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Also the school are looking for volunteers to help the children (ages 4 – 7) with their reading. It would be any time between hours of 10 and 2.30pm and would be for about 45 minutes or longer if they wished. Very flexible arrangements.
Many thanks
Penny
07802 717164
THE OTHERS Come to Sunbury Cricket Club, Friday 31st January
The Cricket Club is carrying on the theme of top class ‘60s R&B with what promises to be another exciting Club debut for their next Music Night on Friday 31st January, when they welcome THE OTHERS for the first time. This gig certainly seems to have caused a bit of a stir locally, and the organiser has been contacted by several people who aren’t Music Night regulars but remember the band from their original incarnation back in the early ‘60s when they were at Hampton Grammar School – they obviously had a big following then, and many of those aficionados will be coming to catch up with them again.
When they first formed they got a record deal with the Fontana label while they were still doing their ‘A’ levels, and released a highly-rated version of Bo Diddley’s “Oh Yeah”, and were jostling for position alongside the likes of The Pretty Things, The Yardbirds and Downliners Sect in the R&B market of 1964. Unfortunately, they never quite hit the big time, and eventually went their separate ways, but stayed in touch and a couple of years ago decided to re-form.
The line-up comprises four members of the original band - Pete Hammerton (guitar), Paul Stewart (vocals/harmonica), Rob Tolchard (bass) and Geoff Coxon (drums). You can find out more at www.theothers.org.uk
Brian May of Queen has stated that he was very much inspired by The Others when he was a contemporary of theirs at Hampton Grammar, and formed the band Smile with schoolmate Tim Staffel before eventually going on to become part of Queen. Brian reckoned that Pete Hammerton was one of the best guitarists he’d ever seen.
Spelthorne Council Gives its Support to Heathrow Expansion
The Council held an extraordinary Council meeting on Thursday 16 January to discuss the options for expansion at Heathrow Airport which were published on 13 December by the Independent Airports Commission.
Since 2008, the Council has supported airport expansion in principle. It reaffirmed its support for a further runway to the north west of Heathrow to best meet local and national economic interests and the importance of working with appropriate parties to resolve environmental and transport issues. The Airports Commission had published two options for Heathrow, both of which are to the north west of the airport, and one at Gatwick.
A final report is to be presented to Government no later than summer 2015.
Cattle Grazing - Sunbury Park Action Group to Hold Meeting on Saturday
The following email from one of our members has been received by LOSRA and, because of the controversial nature of the proposal, it is published here:
"As you will know a decision has been taken to introduce grazing cattle in Sunbury Park – taken without any public consultation (despite this being promised) and without ascertaining what the existing level of usage of the park is. We have been expressly told that this is not a financial decision but one aimed at promoting bio-diversity in the park.
"The park itself is an extremely important amenity to all that live in Sunbury and there is considerable opposition to the plan within the community. As such a group of us have got together and formed the Sunbury Park Action Group (SPAG) and we will be holding a meeting at the park on Saturday 1st February 2013 at 10am on the Ha Ha.
"It would be very good if you were able to attend and support us."
Kind regards,
SPAG
More...
Piano Recital at the RAC, 1st February
Pianist Carlo Grante returns to Riverside Arts Centre, 59 Thames Street at 7.30 p.m. on Saturday, 1 February, to play a thrilling programme of Chopin (The Funeral March sonata and Grande Polonaise Brillante) and Bach-Busoni, including the famous Chaconne.
Tickets from Helen Heslop on 07885 428 864, via WeGotTickets http://www.wegottickets.com/event/249330 and at the door. £15 (£11 concessions) or at the door.
LOSRA Chairman Resigns
We regret to inform our members that Alan Doyle has, for personal reasons, resigned from the Chairmanship of LOSRA. Paul Watts, our President, will be Acting Chairman until our AGM in June.
Getting the Best out of EA Flood Warnings
As a follow-up to the preceding article, We have just received this very useful memorandum from one of our members. Entitled: Getting the Best out of EA Flood Warnings, it is well worth viewing if you wish to keep abreast of real time flood risk:
To see the Flood Warnings, go to www.environment-agency.gov.uk
In “At home & leisure” go to “Flood”.
I have found that searching for “Local Flood Information” by post code or town is confusing, because of out of date warnings and some that seem to conflict with each other. It is also laborious for getting an overall picture.
I believe that the “Live flood warnings map” in “National Flood Information” is useful, and quicker. Zoom into the area you want, and click on a marker pin. Click on “More Detail” which will bring up the latest warning.
Note that you can select :
Severe Flood Warnings / Flood Warnings / Flood Alerts / no longer in force.
You can then scroll up or down through the warnings to get the overall picture. They seem to be in update-time order, and to some degree moving downstream.
At present, at 07:00 on Sat 11 Jan 2014 the river is stable above Windsor (Maidenhead to Windsor benefiting from the Jubilee River Flood Relief Scheme). Below Windsor it is rising slowly, generally above 2012 levels but below or approaching 2003 levels. At Datchet and Old Windsor it will rise slowly over the weekend, but is not expected to reach 2003 levels.
At Chertsey and Laleham it is not expected to rise in the next 24 hours (possibly due to the river running off downstream, or maybe it would rise a little when the latest flush reaches us from Windsor?)
From Molesey down there are references to the tide (in flood flows a high tide can reflect above Teddington Lock.) and whether the Thames Barrier will be closed for particular tides (they can close the Barrier at or near low tide, and the river flood water will collect behind it, to be released when the Barrier is opened as the tide falls.)
It is useful to get the overall picture, to try to see what is coming to us from way upstream. The levels change so slowly that the local warnings do not seem give that, until they start to compare the current event with previous floods.
NB 1 There can be an influence due to flood flows from the Colne Brook and Colne at Staines, from the Wey at Weybridge, and the Mole at Molesey (though the last should not affect us greatly, if at all.)
NB 2 A new storm or prolonged heavy rain on a saturated / flooded catchment can cause a new flood to travel down the river. This may or not be a problem, subject to any dry period in between allowing the earlier flood to drop.
NB 3 In the EA website, in “National Flood Information” there is a Met Office 5 day weather forecast.
Pat Brady
11 Jan 2014.
Thames Flooding Yet to Reach its Peak
Parke Road, Lower Sunbury, this morning
The following email was received from Spelthorne Council today and is published for information of all who may be affected:
Dear Residents' Associations,
The Council website has a lot of relevant information regarding the latest flooding.
Please see below – which provides information on what the Council is doing. Please distribute to all your members.
-The river Thames continues to rise and information from the Environment Agency suggests it will not peak until very early next week. The flood warning still stands on the river Colne. Groundwater is a further issues which is causing difficulties for our residents.
-The Council’s Emergency centre (phone line only) will operate over the weekend 10am-6pm. See website for phone numbers
-The Greeno Centre is on standby as an emergency rest centre.
-Streetscene continue to work on the ground assessing the situation and where of benefit, distributing sandbags.
-The Council is now updating its website information including providing links to the Environment Agency’s guidance on Flooding from Groundwater.
-The Council continues to work closely with Surrey County council and our health colleagues to support the most vulnerable.
Regards
Joanne Jones
Community Development
Residents asked to remain vigilant following bank related fraudster scams
It's tempting to believe that regular readers of this Website would not fall victim to the sort of scam described in the following email from our local police:
Surrey Police is warning residents to remain vigilant following an increasing number of reports of scams involving fraudsters obtaining bank details, cards and cash using bogus telephone calls and couriers across the county.
On each occasion the victims reported receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be a police officer and attempting to convince them to hand over large amounts of cash or bank cards.
The offenders are claiming to be from the police and are using a variety of pretences including saying that the victims bank card has been used by somebody who is in custody. They are then asking the victim to phone the bank to cancel the card and advising the victims that they will send a courier round to collect the card.
Meanwhile the fraudster is staying on the line and obtaining the victims bank details whilst they think they are phoning the bank. The courier then calls at the victims address saying they have been sent by the police to collect a parcel – the envelope containing the card.
Fortunately, the victims in the most recent offences all realised that the calls were part of a scam and refused to pass on any bank details, such as PIN numbers, or allowed their cards or cash to be taken. Other victims have been less fortunate and have lost significant amounts of money
Surrey Police asks that if you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours that you remain alert and if you see them being approached by unexpected visitors, check who they are and ensure that they are a legitimate caller.
Police Officers and banks do not operate in this manner and would never request a customer to confirm their PIN details over the phone. Anyone who receives a suspicious call, either on the phone or in person, is urged to not give any details and report the matter to the police.
Surrey Police advises the following:
- NEVER give out any personal information about your bank account to anybody over the phone.
- If someone calls claiming to be a police officer, ask for their identification number, police force and their telephone extension. Advise them that you will call them back on the 101 number. If possible, use a different phone, i.e. a mobile phone if the call was received on your landline.
- Never hand over money or bank cards to someone at the door to be sent off elsewhere
- If someone comes to your door claiming to be a police officer, always ask to see their police identification card and take note of their identification number. A real police officer will not mind waiting outside while you call 101 to check if they are genuine.
If you have received any calls of this nature, or handed over any money, bank cards or bank details, please call 101 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk
First Trading Standards Alert for 2014
The first Trading Standards Alert for 2014 has been received by LOSRA and contains some very useful tips on how to avoid being conned in the New Year.
Flooding Advice - Immediate
The following email together with the accompanying information has been forwarded to LOSRA by Spelthorne Council and we are very pleased to reproduce it here:
"I am sure you are aware a flood warning has been issued by the Environment Agency for parts of Sunbury. We are monitoring the situation and have regular liaison with relevant partners including the EA. However, given there is the threat of flooding we would appreciate it if you could put the attached on your website as an aide memoire to residents on things to consider in a situation where flooding is possible."
Flooding – River Thames
Be prepared for possible flooding in next 24 hours
The weather forecast for today is prolonged heavy rain which will significantly increase river levels, so continue to be vigilant and prepared. There is a possibility that some properties in the area may be flooded in the next 24 hours. Please use this checklist NOW to prepare and protect your home from damage.
Flood plan checklist
Keep a list of useful numbers to hand:
- the emergency services
- your insurance company
- Environment Agency Floodline – 0845 988 1188
- Spelthorne Borough Council – 01784 451499
- Spelthorne Borough Council out of hours emergency – 01932 425060
If your property is threatened
- Make up a flood kit to include a torch, blankets, waterproof clothing, wellington boots, a portable radio, first aid kit, rubber gloves and key personal documents. Keep it upstairs if possible.
- Make sure you know where to turn off your gas and electricity.
- What about your pets? Where will you move them to if a flood is on the way?
- Think about your car. Where can you move it to?
- Store valuable or sentimental personal belongings upstairs or in a high place downstairs.
- Think about medication. In the event of a flood, you will still need to take it.
- Ensure that elderly and vulnerable neighbours, friends or relatives in the area are aware of the danger.
- Try to protect your property from flood water using floorboards or pillowcases filled with earth to block doorways and airbricks.
- Do not let children play in flood water – it may be contaminated.
Stay informed
All flood warnings are serious. Local information is available from:
- Local radio – BBC Southern Counties Radio (104.6 and 104 FM)
- Regional TV – Meridian, London Tonight and BBC Newsroom South East
- Websites – www.spelthorne.gov.uk or www.environment-agency.gov.uk
- Floodline – 0845 988 1188
Nashville Teens Come to Sunbury Cricket Club, 10th Jan
On Friday 10th Jan. the SCC is delighted to welcome to the Club for the first time a great name from the ‘60s who had two memorable Top Ten hits in 1964 with “Tobacco Road” and“Google Eye”. The line-up features their original lead singer Ray Phillips, who has had an unbroken half-century career with the band, as well as making solo records and performing with other line-ups like the British Invasion All-Stars with members of The Yardbirds, Creation and Downliners Sect.
With him in the current Nashville Teens is a line-up of seasoned performers, including Colin Pattenden, member of Manfred Mann’s Earth band when they had their big hits back in the 70s, on bass, with Simon Spratley of The Ian Campbell Blues Band on keyboards, Ken Osborn from Levee Camp Moan on guitar and Adrian ‘Spud’ Metcalf on drums. It will be another night of classic ‘60s R&B to kick the New Year off, featuring in Ray one of the great voices of the beat era. There’s more information, including a fascinating and comprehensive narrative of Ray and the band’s history, at www.Nashville-Teens.com.
Doors open at 8.30, tickets £7.50 at the door.
