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.
A Play About Our Very Own Arts Centre; 9th - 11th June
This is the stage debut of the play 'Phantom of The Arts Centre' and is based upon a script which won a big national playwriting competition last year.
The play is about our very own Riverside Arts Centre! It entwines fact with fiction and explores the sacrifices made by people for their community and their country, and also features the heartbreak of wartime romance. It was written by Geoff Buckingham and features some very popular award-winning local performers including Robert Hardy and Paul Warren. The stage set has been crafted and designed by local drama legend Ken Busby, who is still very active into his 80's. The play, which features the lead debut of a super young local actress, Niamh Mallott, is sentimental but does have a few lighter moments.
Also featured, as part of a double bill, is the very popular David Tristram comedy ' The Fat Lady sings in Little Grimley', and this also involves more local favourites.
Manor Players are aiming to put on a really good evening of entertainment, and it would be super if LOSRA members could turn out in force to support it, plus help us celebrate a local building that means so much to our community.
Performances start at 8pm and tickets cost £8 (paid in advance) or £10 on the door. For further details see the attached poster
London Irish Appeal - Core Documents at Sunbury Library
For residents who were unable to attend the public meeting on 12th May, you may wish to know that the Core Documents which are relevant to the London Irish appeal are available for viewing at Sunbury Library until Monday 6th June. These documents should also be available to view on the Council Website by the end of this week. Proofs of evidence have already been published on the Spelthorne Website.
Dog Control Order - Consultation
Spelthorne Council are considering the introduction of a Dog Control Order for implementation across the Borough. LOSRA has been invited to respond to the attached consultation document. Before doing so, and in order to reflect the views of as many residents as possible, you are invited to get in touch via the 'Contact LOSRA' Menu at the top of the page to give your views, or comment on this article.
To read consultation document, click here (Adobe Acrobat PDF).
Petition to Halt Proposed Parking Meters Fails at Surrey County Council
This petition was considered by the County Council at its meeting on 10 May with the following outcome:
The Lead Petitioner presented the petition to the Council with the Cabinet Member for Transport responding and a further debate for Members lasting 30 minutes.
A recorded vote was requested.
The following Members voted to support the petition:
Mr Agarwal, Mr Beardsmore, Mrs Coleman, Mr Cooksey, Mr Cooper, Mr Forster, Mr Frost, Mr Goodwin, Mr Harrison, Mr Hickman, Mr Kington, Mr Lambell, Mrs Mason, Mr Orrick, Mr Phelps-Penry, Mrs Searle, Mrs Smith, Mr Colin Taylor, Mr Townsend, Mrs Watson, Mrs White, Mr Wood.
The following Members voted against the petition:
Mrs Angell, Mr Barker, Mr Bennison, Mrs Bowes, Mr Brett-Warburton, Mr Butcher, Mr Carasco, Mr Chapman, Mrs Clack, Mr Cosser, Mrs Curran, Mr Elias, Mr Ellwood, Mr Few, Mr Fuller, Mr Furey, Mr Gosling, Dr Grant Duff, Dr Hack, Mr Hall, Mrs Hammond, Mr Harmer, Ms Heath, Mr Hodge, Mr Ivison, Mr Lake, Ms Le Gal, Mr MacLeod, Mr Marlow, Mr Martin, Mr Munro, Mr Norman, Mr Pitt, Dr Povey, Mr Renshaw, Mrs Ross-Tomlin, Mr Samuels, Mr Skellett, Mr Sutcliffe, Mr Sydney, Mr Keith Taylor, Mr Walsh, Mr Young.
The following Members abstained:
Mrs Marks, Mrs Sealy
Therefore, the petition was not supported.
Petition information - http://petitions.surreycc.gov.uk/ParkingCharges/
Residents Pack Public Meeting on London Irish Appeal
LOSRA members turned out in force to attend the public meeting at St. Mary's Church Hall last night. With standing room only by the time the meeting started at 8.30pm the audience heard first hand from the members who will be giving evidence at the Public Inquiry starting on 7th June.
Each witness gave an outline of the evidence he had individually researched and the presentations were followed by a lively and very useful question and answer session.
Members responded enthusiastically to an appeal for funds to help the LOSRA case and, whilst we can't give a precise figure at the time of going to print, the smile on the Treasurer's face at the conclusion of the event suggested that support was generous indeed. We are very grateful to all those who donated.
For the benefit of residents who were unable to attend we make no apology for repeating the appeal to come along to the Public Inquiry even if you can spare only an hour or two. It would be particularly helpful if the public gallery at the Council Chamber were to be full at the start of the Inquiry at 10am on 7th June.
Riverside Youth Theatre presents 'Jukebox' 18th -21st May
'Jukebox' a medley of comedy sketches, songs and dances from the last 30 years will be performed by the Riverside Youth Theatre at the Riverside Arts Centre, Thames Street.
RYT is a community theatre for young people aged 12 - 18, is run entirely by volunteers and it's survival is heavily dependent on local support. This promises to be an entertaining night out for the whole family.
Performances will be staged from 18th - 21st May commencing 8pm. Booking tickets - call 07531797990 or book on-line at Riversideyouththeatre.com
More...
PC Caroline Barnes Forwards Her Police Report for the Month of April
In her report, Caroline Barnes introduces the new PCSO Joe Smith who joins the Safer Neighbourhood Team on 18th May. To see her report, click here.
Local Election Results for Lower Sunbury
The local election results for Lower Sunbury and the constituency wide AV referendum results are as follows:
Halliford and Sunbury West:
Sandra Dunn (Liberal Democrat), Tim Evans (Conservative), Daxa Patel (Conservative).
Sunbury East:
Alfred Friday (Conservative), Caroline Nichols (Liberal Democrat), Suzy Webb (Conservative).
Referendum:
Referendum on alternative voting system was rejected by the Spelthorne constituency – yes votes: 7687, no votes:21873.
LOSRA extends its congratulations to those newly elected and to those re-elected councillors. We look forward to working together in support of the Association's aims and for the benefit of our local community.
Police College in Green Street Now Listed for Sale
The Police College which has been vacant and boarded up since October last year has finally been listed for sale in the Estates Gazette by Knight Frank. The Head of Planning Policy for Spelthorne Borough has met the Met Police and their agents to explain what the planning issues are in relation to the site and has emphasised the high quality that would be required in any development. The marketing is making it clear that its residential potential would indicate the most appropriate future use of the site.
It is understood that the Met Police are looking to sell the freehold and it is expected that any sale will take place over the coming months. Assuming that the site is bought for redevelopment rather than using the building as it is, we should expect the future owners to bring forward proposals to the Local Planning Authority from late summer/autumn onwards.
Farmers' Market to return to Sunbury on 14th May and 18th June
Following the success of the first farmers market last month, the organisers will be bringing the Market back to Sunbury Cross again on Monday 14th May and 18th June. If it continues to be a success we can expect the Market to become a regular feature of the shopping calendar.
More Music Events at Sunbury Cricket Club
Friday 13th May - FIRE AND WATER
An evening of classic rock, with the music of Free, Bad Company, Led Zeppelin and more, featuring Paul Cox and Mike Summerland. Full info at www.note-music.co.uk/15.FireandWater/fireandwater.html
Admission £4.00 on the door. Promoted in association with Stayin' Alive Rock Events (www.stayin-alive.org.uk)
Friday 27th May - PROTECT THE BEAT
An evening of the very best contemporary jazz funk. This is a must-see band, featuring Derek Nash (Jools Holland), Winston Blissett (Massive Attack), Tim Cansfield (Stevie Winwood, Annie Lennox), Arden Hart (Massive Attack, Bootsy Collins) and star local drummer Darby Todd. Full info at www.protectthebeat.com.
Admission: £10.00 on the door. Promoted in association with Brett Todd
Twirltour Travel Invites Lower Sunbury Residents....
Twirltour Travel, our loyal sponsors and supporters would like to invite Lower Sunbury Residents to a very special fundraising event with Bill Wyman on Sunday 8th May in aid of their charity 'Their Future Today'. This looks like an event not to be missed! To find out more click here: www.theirfuturetoday.com or for further information call 07960752289.
LOSRA OBLIGED TO COMPLAIN TO LOCAL CANDIDATE ABOUT CLAIM IN ELECTION LEAFLET
We need to draw to your attention an issue relating to the forthcoming local elections. We were very surprised to see in the election literature circulated by the Conservatives in the Sunbury East ward a claim that candidate Adam Shire “most recently published an article in the December 2010 Lower Sunbury Residents Association newsletter”.
As you know, LOSRA is an apolitical organisation – our constitution sets this out very clearly. We have never provided a platform for political parties, and no article by Mr. Shire has appeared in a LOSRA newsletter. We wrote to Mr. Shire asking for an explanation, since we felt that it was potentially damaging to our reputation if residents felt that our impartiality had been compromised, and pointed out that, contrary to advice in the official “Guidance for Candidates” publication, he had not sought our permission before using LOSRA’s name in the leaflet.
More to the point we were concerned that, given LOSRA’s reputation and profile in the area, there was a possibility that some residents might be persuaded to vote for a candidate who appeared to enjoy some kind of special relationship with LOSRA, and that the election process might be compromised. We put this to Spelthorne’s Chief Executive, Roberto Tambini, who immediately consulted the Electoral Commission, who advised that there was no action that the authority could or should take. We are grateful to Mr. Tambini for researching the matter so speedily.
We have now, a week after the original complaint, received an apology from Mr. Shire for using our name without permission, although no explanation of the original statement has been offered. We had asked Mr. Shire to take steps to inform the electorate that the statement in the election leaflet was inaccurate, but have received no assurances in this regard. We therefore felt that, given the shortness of time before the election, we should let as many people as possible know the facts of this matter via our web site and e-bulletin.
Mayor of Spelthorne's XI v Mayor of Haringey's XI
Mayor of Spelthorne's XI v Mayor of Haringey's XI - In Aid of Charity - Sunbury Cricket Club Monday 2nd May at 1:00pm
The match will take place in support of the Mayor of Spelthorne's charities, Daybreak Respite Care, Staines Brass Band and Midas Plus which supports charities throughout Spelthorne.
The Mayor of Haringey's XI will be accompanied by a steel band.
The 25 over match will start at 1:00pm. The Mayor of Spelthorne's XI will be captained by Sunbury CC's U17 Player, Matt Nichols.
