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.
All Welcome to St. Mary's Heritage Open Day on 21st September
The Friends of St Mary's are opening the Church for a 'Heritage Open Day' on the 21st September (10-4.00pm).
The Sunbury & Shepperton Local History Society will be bringing their display of archival material and will be on-hand to listen to your stories, look at your photographs and answer your queries.
Plus there will be records from the Church archives including added details about the names on the war memorial boards and other memorials inside and outside the Church. The latter have recently been re-recorded by the West Middx. Family History Society and will be shared to the ‘Find my Past’ web site in the near future.
There are tours of the bell tower, a chance to learn about bell ringing and perhaps to have a go! (N.B. the last tour will be at 3.15pm to give you a chance to get down the tower before the doors close !)
Tea/coffee and/or ice cream to refresh ! Come and browse our Grade II* listed building at leisure!
Public Space Protection Order for Moorings - Consultation
The following email has been received by LOSRA and we are pleased to reproduce it here:
Spelthorne Council is consulting from 1 August until 30 September on new powers to prevent unauthorised mooring. The proposal is to introduce a Public Space Protection Order for Moorings along the River Thames in Spelthorne.
A report to Cabinet in July 2019 (link below) identified the unreasonable and persistent nature of some mooring, without consent, which is having a detrimental effect on people living in the locality. Elmbridge and Runnymede Borough Councils are also consulting on a similar plan with a view to making a consistent Order for the River Thames in all three boroughs.
Cllr Richard Barratt, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Compliance, said:
“With increased enforcement in Kingston and Richmond displacing boats into Surrey, the problem has grown, resulting in an increase in the number of complaints received in all three Surrey boroughs. Further displacement is anticipated in future years, as mooring areas and marinas within London are developed, which is why we need to act. The Thames is a great asset to us and we are determined to protect and enhance it for the benefit of residents of Spelthorne.”
Mooring enforcement in Spelthorne is carried out by the Joint Enforcement Team (JET) in Neighbourhood Services. The team has reported an increase in boats overstaying at moorings provided at its parks and open spaces, in particular those at Lady Lynsey’s Lawn, Kings Lawn and Shepperton Lock. They have also noticed an increase in boats mooring in non-designated sites particularly along Thameside, Laleham and Flowerpot Green Sunbury. Both these sites are owned and managed by the Council.
In 2018, the team completed 58 periods of mooring enforcement and issued a total of 54 overstaying warning letters. In addition, they dealt with two boats at Staines Bridge by way of a Community Protection Warning Letter and subsequently a Community Protection Notice (CPN) due to anti-social behaviour comprising of fly-tipping, littering and using a chemical toilet in full view of the passing public. One of the boats moved after the warning letter, the second upon the issue of the CPN.
The team has also issued notices to six boats under the Refuse Amenity Act 1978 to abandoned or suspected abandoned vessels on Council run sites and this culminated in one vessel being removed and disposed of at expense to the Council. Other than moorings, the team receive weekly complaints from residents, park users and the Council Grounds Maintenance teams about the amount of rubbish being left at the mooring sites.
Cllr Vivienne Leighton, Chairman of the River Thames Task Group, said:
“Engaging with local riverside authorities is a key aspect of the Task Group’s remit which this proposal delivers. We will work in partnership with Elmbridge and Runnymede on this joint initiative to protect mooring sites. Each of the three Boroughs, while different in scale, has been facing an increase in anti-social behaviour associated with unauthorised moorings and this needs to be addressed for our residents.”
The consultation can be completed until 30 September 2019. A copy of the Report and Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the Council’s website.
Consultation: www.spelthorne.gov.uk/currentconsultations
FAQs: www.spelthorne.gov.uk/mooringsfaq
Report to Cabinet in July 2019: Item 2618
https://democracy.spelthorne.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=132&MId=1965&Ver=4
Spelthorne Skills & Careers Fair, 19th September
The Spelthorne Skills and Careers Fair 2019 is taking place from 10am - 5pm on Thursday 19 September at Kempton Park Racecourse.
With over 50 of Spelthorne's leading employers and skills providers exhibiting and promoting live job vacancies, this will be a fantastic opportunity to look for your next role, learn about training opportunities and meet the wide range of employers based in the Borough.
A free bus service is running to Kempton, leaving Ashford Tesco at 10am, 12noon and 2pm and Staines Job Centre at 10.15am, 12.15pm and 2.15pm; returning from Kempton at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm.
This year's event is sponsored by Heathrow Airport, A2 Dominion Housing and Tricca. You will find them at the Skills Fair alongside a broad range of local businesses and education providers.
Entrance is free and further details can be found on the Council's website at www.spelthorne.gov.uk/skillsfair
Cllr Olivia Rybinski, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: "This is an excellent free event which brings the Borough's top employers together under one roof. If you are looking for a career change or are just starting out, I recommend you come along and find out what's on offer."
Vacancy for an Independent Remuneration Panel Member at Spelthorne Council
Spelthorne Council has asked us publish this vacancy to our Association members:
- To see the advertisement, click here
- To read the Role Profile, click here
- To read the application form, click here
Please note, all the above files are in Microsoft Word format.
Spelthorne Means Business Awards - Closing date for Entries 31 August
The following notice has been received from the Council:
Entries for the Spelthorne Means Business Awards close on 31 August so there are just a few weeks to tell us what makes your business special. We have twelve categories so there's an award to suit every type and size of business.
The winners of 'Best Business in Spelthorne' at last year's awards told the Council that being involved with the Awards had been really beneficial. Viv Lambe from Brown Bag Crisps said: "We were so honoured to win the inaugural Spelthorne Means Business Awards and genuinely couldn't believe it. We had been shortlisted for 'Exporter of the Year' and to win overall business on top of that felt just unbelievable, and a culmination of 9 years' hard work.
"Not only has the prestige of the awards been a great boost for us as a team, but it has opened up so many opportunities that we just didn't expect. It can feel quite lonely as a small business at times, but the awards introduced us to the wider Spelthorne business community, which is a wonderful network of people and groups. The support we have had has just been great and we urge anyone to enter these awards, not just for the opportunities and publicity it brings, but for all the amazing people you can meet."
Cllr Olivia Rybinski, Spelthorne Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: "So many of the businesses who entered last year have told us that being part of the Business Awards gave them great publicity, helped them to make new contacts, and provided an opportunity to recognise the hard work of their staff. We look forward to celebrating with the finalists and announcing the winners at the gala dinner at Shepperton Studios on 17 October."
Visit www.spelthorne.gov.uk/SMBA by 31 August to enter your business for an award.
Award categories
- Best new start up
- Creative business of the year
- Best small business
- Healthy business award
- Independent business of the year
- Exporter of the year
- Best corporate social responsibility business
- Best business in Ashford and Stanwell
- Best business in Shepperton and Charlton
- Best business in Staines and Laleham
- Best business in Staines BID area
All Welcome to the Sunbury Regatta next Saturday 10th August
Since 1877, the Sunbury Regatta has not only been a serious skiffing race event for local clubs, but also an annual calendar event for Surrey and the local community supporting the development of skills and enjoyment of the River Thames.
To achieve this the Regatta Committee runs this 2 day annual Regatta with 60 separate events on the water and onshore at Sunbury and provide grants to individuals and to other organisations focussed on promoting healthy recreation on the river Thames on a year round basis.
All profits from the The Regatta are put toward these charitable objectives and activities.
Thousands of families attend to watch 60 club skiffing and punting races as well as 40 local events such as ‘Row for your local’ and Dongola racing in fancy dress.
Away from the river, the lawn on Rivermead Island provides family fun and events all day.
Food stalls from around the world, bar tents, live music through to face painting and tug-o-war provide entertainment through to dusk when the increasingly renowned fireworks displays entertains people for miles around.
More...
Sunbury Walled Garden Receives Green Flag Award - the Latest of Many!
The UK’s very best green spaces were announced on 16 July with Staines Cemetery and the Sunbury Walled Garden in Spelthorne receiving a prestigious Green Flag Award - the mark of a quality park or green space.
They join a record-breaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces and 131 in thirteen other countries around the world who have been recognised by the Green Flag Award scheme.
This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
Congratulations to the volunteers of The Sunbury Embroidery Gallery!
Congratulations to the volunteers of The Sunbury Embroidery Gallery who received The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service for their contribution to Sunbury-on-Thames over the past 23 years.
The award was presented by HRH Princess Alexandra on Tuesday 2 July 2019.
Thank you to Cllr Vivienne Leighton, Ward Councillor for Shepperton Town, who nominated the volunteers for this award.
Nigel Price and the Terence Collie Trio to Perform at the RAC on Sunday 11th August
Over a career spanning more than 25 years, award winning jazz guitarist Nigel Price has become widely acknowledged as one of the hardest working musicians in the business.
Musically, his blend of flowing bebop lines, deep blues sensibility and his mastery of chording continue to delight audiences and fellow musicians alike. He is a regular performer at London’s Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club where he has made more than 500 appearances.
Together with the Terence Collie trio, Nigel will be performing at the Riverside Arts Centre, 59, Thames Street, Sunbury on Sunday 11th August at 7.45pm.
Surrey CC Promotes Anti-fly-tipping Campaign
We are very happy to support The Surrey Environment Partnership who will be running a Surrey-wide campaign in August and September which urges Surrey residents and businesses to be vigilant when employing traders to dispose of their waste.
Residents across Sunbury will be all too aware of the blight and degrading effects of fly-tipping in our roads and amenity spaces.
If you employ someone to take your waste away and they don’t dispose of it properly, it’s you who can be fined up to £400. To avoid being hit in the wallet, you will need to do two things:
- Check your builder/trader is a registered waste carrier, and
- Obtain a receipt for the disposal of your waste.
Heathrow Expansion - Have Your Say!
Heathrow’s final consultation has already started and runs until 13 September 2019.
This is one of the largest infrastructure projects this country has undertaken and these plans may have a significant impact on the Spelthorne Community.
You are urged to respond using the email option shown in the leaflet and to copy your comments to Spelthorne Borough Council, also shown in the leaflet.
JUMP 66 to Make First Appearance at the SCC on Friday 12th July
The next Music Night at Sunbury Cricket Club is on Friday 12th July when the Club is delighted to present for the first time JUMP 66. It’s always nice to welcome a brand-new name to the Club, especially when a band comes onto our radar who are such a perfect fit for the Club’s traditional fare. JUMP 66 are a high-energy jump blues band playing storming West Coast, Jump and Chicago blues, some forgotten R&B gems and forays into rock steady bluebeat as well.
They have been around for several years, played at Glastonbury in 2014 and are regulars at the Ealing Blues Festival, headlining the main Saturday stage last year – they also regularly feature at the Swanage Blues Festival. They’re a resident band at the Ain't Nothing But the Blues bar in Soho, and return regularly to the Ramjam in Kingston and the Crawdaddy. Two of the band are current members of Dave Finnegan's Commitments soul band, and the keyboards player is in Cliff Bennett's Rebel Rousers, so they have a highly credible musical pedigree, and their stage show is dynamic and highly entertaining. An evening of great entertainment in the proper Music Night tradition can be guaranteed.
Find out more and hear some music at www.jump66blues.com.
Food will be available as usual from about 7.15. Starts 8.30, Price £7.50 on the door. We look forward to seeing you there.
A Tribute to the Late Pat Curran, Founding Chairman of Our Association
We are sad to report the recent death of Patrick Curran, the founding Chairman and former President of The Lower Sunbury Residents’ Association after a long and harrowing illness – our sympathies go to his widow Patsy.
Pat founded the Association in 1972 in order to fight a campaign to get the TP26 project abandoned – TP26 was a plan which had been on the stocks at Surrey County Council which envisaged a by-pass road across the residential area of Lower Sunbury along what is now Hawke Park from Staines Road East, across French St., The Avenue, Green Street and the Green Belt to the west of Sunbury to the A244.
A long-time resident of The Avenue, Pat, working with Frank Burman as Secretary and John Smith as President, gradually built LOSRA into an active, visible and effective campaigning force dedicated to protecting the environment, amenities and quality of life in Lower Sunbury, as well as continuing to fight the battle over TP26.
Pat was a senior civil servant who worked closely with Government ministers, he was used to working at a high-powered level and had the confidence. expertise and gravitas to deal with Spelthorne and Surrey County Council officers and elected members, as well as the various vested interests on their own terms. In doing that, he set the standards for those that worked alongside him and in subsequent years to follow, and he also established for people taking an interest in getting involved in LOSRA’s activities that it was a serious organisation that knew what it was doing and was able to make things happen.
Through Pat’s diligence and perseverance, the TP26 scheme was finally abandoned in the late ‘80s, but the fight did not stop there, because Surrey County Council then proposed including in the new Local Plan a scheme to build houses on the TP26 land. Pat fought the scheme at the Local Plan Public Enquiry, and succeeded in getting it removed from the Plan. Subsequent campaigning and pressure by LOSRA on Surrey and Spelthorne Council succeeded in getting the land designated as public open space to be a linear park.
Inevitably, once the Association became visible and started getting involved in local affairs other key amenity issues emerged which Pat took on. The owner of Orchard Meadow at that time, a housebuilder, wanted to develop it with housing, although it was technically Green Belt. Pat orchestrated the opposition over two decades, and eventually, early in the new century, after the Meadow passed into new ownership, Spelthorne Council were persuaded to take the unusual step of compulsorily purchasing it as public open space and creating a Village Green.
Parallel to campaigning on TP26, Pat realized that the problem of traffic in Thames Street, which TP26 was intended to relieve, needed to be addressed. LOSRA put pressure on the authorities to introduce a lorry ban in Thames Street – until that time HGVs used the road – and once it was in place monitored the road regularly to identify offending vehicles.
During the 1970s consultation on the new Surrey Minerals Plan relating to gravel extraction began, and Pat took up the cudgels, making written submissions and appearing at the public enquiry to argue against the inclusion of local sites like Vicarage Farm, Watersplash Farm, and, yes, even Sunbury Park. LOSRA succeeded in pushing our site down the priority list over several decades until the recent decision that Watersplash Farm should be worked was taken.
During the 1980s a helicopter service between Heathrow and Gatwick airports was established, which flew directly across Lower Sunbury, causing an highly intrusive noise nuisance which many residents found very troublesome. Pat succeeded in getting a clause inserted in the operating licence stipulating that the service should cease operation when the M25 was completed. Once it was completed, inevitably the airlines applied to continue the service anyway. LOSRA, acting more or less alone, with Pat travelling daily to the public enquiry in central London for several weeks, argued against the airlines’ expensive lawyers, and persuaded the Inspector to end the service.
Housebuilding companies have owned the land to the west of Lower Sunbury for many years, and continually submitted planning applications for housing schemes. Pat led the opposition to these schemes and established the principle of opposing development on Green Belt which LOSRA has pursued ever since.
As a result of the professional and considered way in which LOSRA presented its arguments to borough and county councils, a style and approach which Pat was instrumental in developing, LOSRA acquired a credibility which ensured that has always had an effective voice in the corridors of local power, with both council officers and elected members obliged to take the Association seriously as genuinely and effectively representing the interests of local residents.
The LOSRA newsletter and its membership process were part of the infrastructure which was created under Pat’s chairmanship, and that infrastructure has been built on to help keep the Association thriving in the years after Pat relinquished his involvement in its day-to-day activities.
The community owes Pat a significant debt and his legacy will always be visible not just in the very existence of LOSRA as a well-organised force for good, but also in the success stories that have given us the likes of Hawke Park and the Orchard Meadow village green.
Consultation on Improved Public Toilet Provision for People with a Disability, Closing Soon
A ten-week government consultation on increasing the provision of Changing Places toilets comes to an end at 11:45pm on 21 July 2019. Proposals include thresholds at which Changing Places toilets will be made mandatory in new or largely refurbished buildings of different types, such as overall floor space or attendance capacity.
