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.
London Irish Development, The Avenue - Latest News
Readers will remember that The London Irish applications for their Avenue site and Hazelwood Golf Centre were finally approved by Planning Committee on 21st June last year.
The alternative scheme for The Avenue site, with its higher proportion of family homes and no flats, resulted in the original much denser scheme being withdrawn.
Since then, there has been much rumour about who the developers might be and how the final plan might finally take shape. LOSRA can now confirm that the developers Crest Nicholson have bought the land and, following an informal meeting with them, they were anxious to stress that they will be looking to make only minor modifications to the original outline plan. These modifications will imply neither an increase in density nor a reduction in car parking spaces - in fact Crest Nicholson have indicated that car parking provision is, if anything, inadequate; and, if there is to be a change in density it would more likely result in a reduction rather than an increase.
Importantly, CN are very keen to involve residents throughout the formulation of the final blueprint. Nothing concrete has been decided and the meeting, at which SOLID (Sunbury Opposes London Irish Development) was also represented, was by way of introduction to the key players who will now be entering into pre-application discussions with the Planning Office.
As soon as more is known, including dates for public consultation, exhibitions and the like, you can be sure this site will be updated immediately.
The '60s All Stars Return to Sunbury Cricket Club on Friday 7th June
The '60s All Stars are back for the third time, having kicked off the series of Music Nights just over two years ago in great style and then returned last June for another real summer party night.
Comprising Mick Avory, the original and long-time drummer with The Kinks, Alan Lovell from the Swinging Blue Jeans, John Dee of The Foundations and Del Mandel, formerly with George Harrison Band and Crispian St. Peters, their hugely entertaining shows draw on a seemingly bottomless fount of beat era classics. Once again, a great summer party night of wall-to wall rock 'n' roll and R&B is absolutely guaranteed - bring your friends along for a fun night out.
EcoPark Newsletter
The following is an email extract received by LOSRA from Ian Boast, Assistant Director, Environment, Surrey County Council.
"As you may recall, SITA Surrey was granted planning permission to develop an Eco Park at Charlton Lane, Shepperton on behalf of Surrey County Council last year and since that time has been working to discharge the planning conditions and select a building contractor for the project.
As this has taken longer than anticipated and there are still a number of tasks that need to be completed before construction can begin, we will be distributing the attached newsletter to over 11,000 households around Charlton Lane on Tuesday 28 May to outline progress to date and the next steps over the coming months.
The newsletter provides information about the new gasification process for the Eco Park that was selected after the original supplier of the gasification facility ceased trading last year, and following a review of available suppliers and a procurement process.
It also includes brief details of some minor modifications to the anaerobic digestion facility that have arisen through the detailed design process and updates on HGV traffic, the bulk HGV routing strategy that will be implemented for the Eco Park and the diversion of a footpath around the site.
In order to answer questions local people may have about this update, a number of public events are planned. There will be two drop in sessions hosted by SITA Surrey and a public meeting hosted by Surrey County Council. Details of these events can be found on the back page of the newsletter."
Planning Policy - Changes to Permitted Development
At the recent quarterly meeting with Residents' Associations, the Head of Planning Services explained the changes to the law on permitted developments.
To familiarise yourself with the changes which will be effective for the next three years, click on the link below:
http://www.spelthorne.gov.uk/article/4184/Permitted-Development-for-Rear-Extensions
Credit Card Scams and Distraction Burglaries Plague Spelthorne
The latest Trading Standards Alert draws attention, amongst other things to credit card scams and distraction burglaries in our neighbourhood. To see the full alert click here
Chaim Stephenson Exhibition, St. Mary's Church, 5th - 8th June
An exhibition of biblical and conflict sculptures by the renowned artist Chaim Stephenson will be held at St.Mary's Church from Wednesday 5th June from 6pm - 9pm until Saturday 8th June, 10am - 4pm.
His most well known South African memorial statue can be see in St Martin in the Fields Church in Trafalgar Square.
Fr Paul warmly invites all members of the congregation to the reception on the evening of Wednesday 5th June.
More...
LOSRA AGM Newsletter
The AGM Newsletter will be distributed in the next few days to all Lower Sunbury households. To view the Newsletter on line, click here
Sculpture Exhibition at the Walled Gardens Friday 7th June
Arts Week at Chennestone Primary School and Beauclerc Nursery and Infant School will be celebrating the Week with an Exhibition at the Walled Garden.
The theme for this year’s Event is ‘Sculptures’. Each class/year group will be involved in designing and making creative sculptures, which will go on display and be used in or around the school. Each of the sculptures will be linked to the school’s themes of Sustainability. The children will have considered using recycled materials, re-using materials for different purposes and the purpose or message of their chosen sculpture.
On Friday 7th June the sculptures will be displayed in the Walled Gardens. The Schools are hoping that the children, parents and members of the local community will come and enjoy their exhibition throughout the day and over the weekend of the 8th and 9th June. Indeed, all are welcome to come and support this imaginative project.
Dodgy Roofers in Lower Sunbury Area
The following email from our local police has been received by LOSRA and we are very pleased to reproduce it here:
"I am writing to you to inform you of a group of so called 'roofers' which are operating in the area.
The company is called BEACON ROOFING and they use a WHITE TOYOTA HIACE.
On Wednesday 15/05/2013 a elderly couple in Lower Sunbury agreed that these men would jet clean their drive for the price of £300 only to find that not only had they done a very poor job and left rubbish all over the drive but they told the couple as they had put "a special solution down" on their drive they now required £1,700. The couple explained that they did not have that sort of money to which one of the builders replied ask your neighbours for it.
The men told the couple that they would return yesterday to collect the money which they did return. The couple called police and upon police arrival the builders were told that as they had not offered a cooling down period of 7 days and no receipts could be produced the couple were not obliged to pay anything.
Trading Standards are now investigating this company
In this case the couple were not conned out of 1000's of pounds but these men will try it again so if you see this company operating in your area please let us know and warn your neighbours and friends not to use this company."
Thank you.
PCSO Phill Wrighton 15007
Virgin Active Leisure Centre, The Avenue
It has been reported to LOSRA by one of our members that a number of thefts have been committed at Virgin Active Leisure Centre in The Avenue. The offences have been effected by cutting into the lockers and stealing valuables, (phones, cash etc).
The Chairman has phoned the police to obtain details of incidents, times, dates, and property stolen but was advised that the Data Protection Act precludes the police from disclosing such information.
Two phone calls and an email to the Leisure Centre have not been returned by the management.
Rather than waiting for further confirmation we believe it important to alert residents to the possible risks of taking valuable property into the premises.
May is Scams Awareness Month
Citizens' Advice and the Trading Standards Institute have teamed up with a campaign to highlight the problem of scams, tell people how to avoid being taken in and how they can fight back against the scammers. To view, click here
St. Mary's May Fair, Saturday 11th May
St. Mary's Church will be holding its May fair this Saturday 11th, between 10am and 2pm.
The fair will feature all the usual favourite stalls, raffles, jewellery, toys, fairtrade goods. Hot and cold refreshments will also be available in the Parish Hall.
All are welcome to come and support the Parish and the future of our Church.
Do Come to Our 40th Anniversary Garden Party
LOSRA is delighted to announce that we will be holding our second summer fundraising Garden Party which will take place on Fathers’ Day, Sunday 16th June, between 12 noon and 5 p.m. The event, which this year celebrates our 40th anniversary, has once again been made possible by kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Heslop, who have offered to make their beautiful garden at the Old Vicarage available to us. Click here to download the flyer.
The Garden Party will offer food and refreshments throughout the afternoon, including teas, bucks fizz and wine bar, a summer BBQ and food from "The Indian Zest." Entertainment will be provided by a variety of local musicians and fun things to amuse children. Local products will also be available for purchase from a variety of small stands. Boat rides on 'Jeff', one of the Dunkirk 'little ships' will be a particular highlight with tickets available on the day.
Entry to the event costs £5.00 and tickets will be available from Skinners Newsagents. Better still, you can purchase a ticket via Paypal by clicking on the button below. Youngsters under 13 will be admitted free on the gate.
The Garden Party, apart from raising welcome funds for LOSRA, provides us with the opportunity to add another enjoyable occasion to the village calendar. We hope to see you there.
Sunbury Galaxy FC reach Cup Final
Support Sunbury Galaxy FC - Cup Final v Parkside FC - Tuesday 7th May at Molesey FC
Residents may not be aware that the mighty Sunbury Galaxy FC play many of their home matches at Sunbury Cricket Club.
Their latest success has been to reach the final of the cup against Parkside FC after a series of thrilling penalty shootouts.
It is the their first cup final. With several of Sunbury CC cricketers involved including Darren London, Kevin Smith, David Nash, Danny Pope and their acrobatic goalkeeper Justin 'Danger' Granger both hopes and apprehensions are riding high.
The final is being played on Tuesday 7th May at 7.30 at Molesey FC, Walton Road, West Molesey, KT8 2JG. Your support would be very much welcomed.
