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 2025 are now payable.
Events at Sunbury Cricket Club in Run-up to Christmas
Friday 16th December Quiz & Music Night
A fun quiz with a fish and chip supper, plus interval music from the Club’s house band. All are welcome – put a table together with some friends. Tickets £10 for adults, £6 for under 16s. Please book in advance by e-mailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or calling Tony Schaffer on 07803 757937, Dave Smith on 07590 209763 or Club manager Jack Gabb on 07752 829316.
Friday 23rd December 70's Rock Band, Fire and Water
A high energy Christmas party night to kick off the festive holiday ,featuring great ‘70s rock with the return of FIRE AND WATER - Mike Summerland (Guitar), Steve James (Drums & Keyboards), Mac Lowe (Bass) and the powerhouse vocals of Paul Cox playing the music of Free, Bad Company, Led Zeppelin and more. £5 on the door Check out info, video and audio clips and set lists at www.note-music.co.uk/15.FireandWater/fireandwater.html
Friday 24th December,Christmas Eve Club Social Evening
A chance for everyone to get together to keep the party spirit going with free buffet supplied.
Sunbury Cricket Club hope to see as many of you as possible at the Club for these events, and would like to thank you all for your support for the Music Nights during the year and the many kind and positive comments we have received about them. LOSRA joins the Club in wishing you an enjoyable Christmas and New Year holiday.
2011 Avenue Neighbourhood Watch Picture Competition
The Avenue Neighbourhood 2011 Picture Competition resulted in an impressive thirty three entries from competitors aged of 5 and upwards. This is the fourth competition held by The Avenue NHW and again the standard of picture submitted is extremely high and the judges had great difficulty in selecting a winner in each of the four categories. The judges were especially impressed by the amount of talent and interest in just one road in Sunbury-on-Thames
The theme was ‘Sunbury’ and the pictures are on display in the Embroidery Gallery Cafeteria until Sunday 18 December and then for two days at Kempton Park on Boxing Day & 27th December.
Question for Full Surrey Council on 13th December 2011
The introductory Line to the Eco Park Story on the SCC Website reads as follows: "Plans to create an Eco Park to treat waste and generate green electricity have been given the go-ahead by the Government".
This statement is of course pure spin and factually untrue. The Secretary of State did not "call in" the application so has not expressed a view one way or the other. He simply referred it back to SCC. The County Council should not be allowed to hide behind the Minister by implying that the decision had nothing to do with them.
The following question has been submitted by the Hon. Chairman, LOSRA, for reply at Council on 13th December 2011:
"Council will be aware that the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has, after 5 months of deliberation, declined to call-in the application to install a gasifier and anaerobic digester at the Charlton Lane Waste Management Facility in Shepperton, thus referring it back to SCC for determination.
Council will also be aware that it was after approval by the Planning & Regulatory Committee of the application by SITA UK that the Advertising Standards Authority found that Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) Code had been breached in respect of rules 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 (Misleading advertising), 3.7 (unsubstantiated claims), 11.1 and 11.4 (Environmental claims).My question comes in 4 parts:
- Will the Council accept that the public consultation which was required to be undertaken by SITA UK was flawed in that the Company misled the public in the critical areas highlighted by the ASA?
- Since the ASA has found against SITA UK in these critical areas will the Council accept that the public have not therefore been consulted with the full and unvarnished truth; and that SITA UK’s obligation to consult the public has therefore not been fulfilled?
- Given that the ASA adjudication was published on 26th October 2011, ie after the application had been approved by the PRC, will the Council now take the procedural/legal steps necessary to revoke the approval?
- If the Council does not, will it accept that for the historical record, and for the enlightenment of future generations, it has approved the installation of the gasifier in a populated area of Sunbury/Shepperton, and in an Area of Air Quality Management (AQM), without evidence that it is a proven environmental technology; and without evidence that it has operated successfully elsewhere?"
LOSRA Autumn 2011 Newsletter
Once again, the late outcomes of two very significant planning applications have delayed the publication of our Autumn Newsletter. Whilst the Website has carried news of these items and other matters of interest, the Newsletter provides more detail. It will be delivered to all Lower Sunbury households from next weekend but it is available to view and download by clicking here.
The Festive Season Begins with Carols in The Meadow and the Christmas Market, 15th December
The Lower Sunbury Business Community is holding the annual Christmas market on Avenue Parade outside the shops on Thursday December 15th this year from 5pm - 9pm. It is on the same day as the Carols in the Meadow, so come along, sing some carols and get in the Christmas spirit.
There will be lots of gift ideas, tempting tastes and purchases to make. The shops will be staying open later that evening and you may find a few serving mulled wine! Don’t miss this occasion.
The LSBC looks forward to seeing you there. Further details of the Carol Concert will be published on this Site in the next few days.
Eco Park - Secretary of State Refers Application Back to Surrey SCC
The following is an extract from a letter received by LOSRA today from the National Planning Casework Unit :
"The Secretary of State has carefully considered this case against call-in policy, as set out in the 1999 Caborn Statement. The policy makes it clear that the power to call in a case will only be used very selectively. The Government is committed to give more power to councils and communities to make their own decisions on planning issues, and believes planning decisions should be made at the local level wherever possible.
The Secretary of State has carefully considered the impact of the proposal, and the key policy issues which this case raises. In his opinion, the proposals do not: involve a conflict with national policies on important matters; have significant effects beyond their immediate locality; give rise to substantial regional or nation controversy; raise significant architectural and urban design issues; or involve the interests of national security or of Foreign Governments. Nor does he consider that there is any other sufficient reason to call the application in for his own determination. He has therefore decided the application should be determined at local level, and has not called it in. The decision as to whether to grant planning permission will therefore remain with Surrey County Council."
It goes without saying that we are staggered by this mystifying decision as we believe that at least two grounds for a Secretary of State's determination are satisfied, namely; that the application for the incinerator will have significant effects beyond its immediate locality; and that there are significant architectural and urban design issues. Readers will doubtless make up their own minds as to why, after the application had been deliberated for 5 months by the DCLG (Department of Communities and Local Government), it has taken so long to reach this decision. All the more puzzling when we consider that the Secretary of State had been made aware of the Advertising Standards Authority findings that SITA, the contractors, had misled the public in three important respects during their public consultation (See entry for 26th October).
More...
PC Caroline Barnes Publishes her Police Report for November
The latest news on the Skate Park in Green Street, initiatives to tackle speeding, fly-tipping and the Sunbury Football Project are all featured in Caroline's November report.
Old Hamptonians Amateur Dramatic Society Brings Hancock to Sunbury
In April,2010,the Old Hamptonians Amateur Dramatic Society,(OHADS),a local amateur drama group of some 80 years standing, were privileged to present an evening dedicated to the genius of Tony Hancock, and his writers, Alan Simpson and Ray Galton, both of whom live locally. The production was completely sold out and it received consistently enthusiastic reviews. Indeed, the performance of "Hancock" received three nominations in last year's Richmond upon Thames "Swan Drama Awards", and Andy Smith received the "Best Actor" award for his portrayal of Tony. Alan and Ray were also kind enough to come along and see the production, and were very appreciative of OHADS's efforts.
As last time, the cast will perform six shows. These shows will consist of two studio "Half Hour" recreations of the classic radio series in the first half of the evening, followed by a fully dramatised show drawn from the TV series. This year, the two drama productions are the classic "The Lift" and " The Reunion Party". A very strong cast is in place, and again Andy Smith with be portraying Tony in "The Lift" and the "Reunion Party".
As the shows are being performed close to Christmas, two Christmas shows are to be performed, one of them being the relatively little known "Department Store Santa" half hour, which is a real gem.
The details are as follows:
Monday 12th December, Wednesday 14th December, Friday 16th December at 7.45 pm; and Saturday 16th December (matinee) at 2.45pm
- "A Sunday Afternoon at Home"
- "Hancock's Happy Christmas"
- "The Lift"
Tuesday 13th December, Thursday 15th December, Saturday 17th December at 7.45 pm
- "The Wild Man of the Woods"
- "The Department Store Santa"
- "The Reunion Party"
Tickets for the show will be £10, and all enquiries for tickets should be addressed to Mr. Bernard Wigginton,who can be contacted on 0208 979 4596.
This is the first time that Old Hamptonians Amateur Dramatic Society has performed at the Riverside Arts Centre, so it would be great if they were to be given a warm reception by our local community.
Riverside Youth Theatre Presents "Double Act" 8th - 10th December
Riverside Youth Theatre presents "Double Act", a double bill of one act plays for their December production. Sparkleshark by Philip Ridley recently won the best youth play (senior) at the Spelthorne and Runnymede Drama Festival as well as best youth actor for Alex Blackie. Sparkleshark is moving, very funny and highly topical. Alongside this award winning play, RYT are presenting The Nativity by David Farr, a seasonal offering which brings a humorous and contemporary touch to the story we all know so well.
RYT has been delighting local audiences for nearly thirty years. Based at Riverside Arts Centre in Thames Street this volunteer led drama group has produced a varied and challenging programme over the years, including Into The Woods, Momo and The Crucible. Members are between 12 – 18 years old and includes a very professional youth technical team, the alumni of which have gone on to work in the theatre and television industry, as well as lighting the annual Carols in the Meadow!
Double Act runs from 8th -10th December at 8pm, tickets are £8 each and can be ordered from 07531 797990 or online at www.riversideyouththeatre.com, where you can also find out how to join.
Lower Thames Flood Risk Management Strategy
Following its public consultation in September and November of 2009, the Environment Agency is holding three exhibitions this week to inform the public of its Lower Thames Flood Risk management strategy.
This is very short notice indeed, and LOSRA only found out about the exhibitions from a resident who just happened to have had the email copied to her. The exhibitions will be held on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday this week. For details of times and venues, click here.
London Irish Development Appeals Dismissed by Secretary of State
LOSRA has today been informed by the Secretary of State's Office that the appeals by London Irish to develop their Avenue Site and the Hazelwood Golf Club have been refused. Following a 12 day Public Inquiry at which LOSRA gave evidence as a third party, The Planning Inspector recommended to the Secretary of State that the appeals against the Council's refusal to grant planning permission should be dismissed. The Secretary of State agreed. The letter from the Secretary of State's Department together with the Inspector's report may be viewed by clicking here.
Readers will remember that the two sites subject to appeal; and which were interdependent were:
- Appeal Site A: demolition of stand and clubhouse and erection of 194 residential units (of which 12 have associated workspace), a Care Home, site for a future health centre, construction of estate roads and the provision of new open space including a new neighbourhood park, in accordance with application Ref: 09/00841/OUT; and
- Appeal Site B: demolition of clubhouse, driving range and other built structures on site and the development of 5 adult and 12 junior natural turf sports pitches, 3 of which to be floodlit and one to be a third generation (3G) artificial grass pitch, plus erection of clubhouse and parking for London Irish and associated landscaping to include creation of a lake, in accordance with application Ref: 09/00842/OUT.
LOSRA together with SOLID (Sunbury Opposes London Irish Development) and HAG (Hazelwood Action Group) have campaigned tirelessly for over two years to oppose these most unwelcome developments and we are delighted by the Secretary of State's decision. This said, LOSRA is, and has always been, a friend to London Irish; and it brings us no pleasure to see these particular plans for relocation brought to an unhappy conclusion for the Club. Our argument has always been that the proposals did not satisfy local and national planning policy and were in any case wrong for Lower Sunbury especially as they would have resulted in a net loss of open space.
Rivermead Island Stream Cleared
First reported on this Site in September 2009, we can now report good news for those who have been concerned with the spread of aquatic vegetation in the stream separating Rivermead Island and Thames Street. After many months of campaigning by LOSRA the Environment Agency has now started a major clearance of this suffocating and unsightly obstruction to water flow. The photos illustrate the state of the stream before and after work began (though the seasonal algae in the latter somewhat detracts from the visual effect) .
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Public sector industrial action on 30 November: Statement from Surrey Police
LOSRA has received the following Statement from Surrey Police:
Surrey Police will be doing everything possible to maintain public confidence on 30 November and plans are in place to ensure that critical policing services such as 999 and response to serious crime are maintained throughout the county. However, the implications of strike action for the force include the possibility of police staff striking, but also the consequences of other public services participating and the increased demand this may place on the Force.
To help the force manage demand and prioritise its services, we ask the public to adhere to the 999 calling guidance which states that this number should only be used for an emergency, such as endangered life or a serious offence in progress. Other matters should continue to be reported appropriately via other contact methods such as online and 101, the non-emergency number. Police Counter services will be open at Guildford, Woking, Staines and Reigate and the Surrey Police website will be updated if service is disrupted at other locations.
Together Fighting Crime in Sunbury
The following news release has been received from Spelthorne Council and LOSRA are pleased to reproduce it here:
The next Spelthorne Safer Stronger Partnership Action Day will take place at Sunbury Manor School on Tuesday 29 November.
The main focus for this Action Day will be young people and the Partnership will be working with three local schools: Sunbury Manor, St Paul’s and Bishop Wand. Students from these schools will be taking part in activities alongside Surrey Police and other partnership agencies, carrying out a number of activities in the local area including cycle security marking, environmental audits, and speed watch.
Partnership Action Days offer residents the chance to see how the various organisations, involved in community safety, work together to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. There is also an opportunity to speak with representatives from a variety of organisations including Surrey Police, Surrey County Council and Spelthorne Council.
The Partnership exhibition trailer which will be visiting Sunbury Manor School will be staffed by Police and other partnership agency officers, offering advice on home security, personal safety and crime prevention. Crimestoppers will also be on hand to promote ‘Fearless’, a web site where young people can get advice and information about crime.
