County Councillor Buddhi Weerasinghe

Message to residents

We want to inform you that the water level of the River Thames is rising. Both Cllr Matthew Lee and I have been in contact with residents who live by the river, and we have observed that the water level is steadily increasing.

In light of this, we have taken the initiative to drop a letter to residents in Sunbury Court Island and those who live by the riverside. Our main concern is your safety, and we want to ensure that you are well-informed and prepared for any potential risks.

If you require any assistance or if you would like us to get involved, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you and can liaise with the Surrey or Spelthorne Councils on your behalf.

Stay safe and stay informed!

Matthew Lee Borough Councillor for Sunbury East County Councillor Buddhi Weerasinghe

River Thames Scheme

Everyone Sunbury Life Sunbury-On-Thames Sunbury-on-Thames

I'm pleased to share that I allocated funds from 'Your Councillor Community Fund of Surrey County Council to publish a book on the "Fungi and Lichens of Sunbury and Hawke Parks." Being deeply passionate about biodiversity and committed to safeguarding our local environment, I've actively engaged with the Friends of Sunbury Park 🌲🌳🍁🍂🐄🦉🐝🌸 .

Yesterday, John Maxen, chairman of Friends of Sunbury Park 🌲🌳🍁🍂🐄🦉🐝🌸, presented a copy of this insightful book at the Walled Garden .

Written by Brian Spooner and Phil Cribb and photographs by Phil Cribb, Geoffrey Kibbly, Andi Roy, R. Alder, John Maxen and Brian Spooner.

The booklet, now available for just £3 at the Sunbury Embroidery Gallery, unveils the rich tapestry of over 150 different fungi species thriving in our parks. Fungi play a crucial role in our ecosystem, forming the "wood wide web" beneath our feet, connecting trees and plants in a complex underground network. To support our local environment, I encourage you to become a member of the Friends of Sunbury Parks. Dive into the wonders of our parks with this booklet, but remember, while exploring, please refrain from picking or consuming any fungi.



Sunbury Life Sunbury on Thames Community Group (UK) Sunbury-On-ThamesSunbury & Ashford Common Community Matters Sunbury & Shepperton Matters Sunbury On Thames Sunbury-on-Thames Sunbury-On-Thames Spelthorne Natural History Society National History Muesem Natural History Museum, London Gothamie Weerakoon

The water level of the Thames River was rising, and several flood warnings, including one for Sunbury, are in place. Here is the current situation and how Matthew and I responded to it.

Matthew Lee Borough Councillor for Sunbury East | County Councillor Buddhi Weerasinghe

Surrey County Council |Spelthorne Borough Council | Surrey Fire and Rescue Service Agency

Everyone Sunbury Court Island Residents Association Sunbury-On-Thames Sunbury on Thames Community Group (UK) Sunbury Life Sunbury & Shepperton Matters Halliford and Sunbury Conservatives River Thames Scheme

⚠️ An Amber weather warning is in place for Surrey (heavy rain, flooding and strong winds).

Take care when travelling.

☎️ Our phone lines are available 24/7; call 0300 200 1003 to report urgent issues. We can be very busy during storms. Please do not report on social media.

Copied from Paul Deach page for the benefit residents in Spelthorne

FLOOD WARNING: Residents in Lower Sunbury , please be advised of a flood warning in our area. Stay informed through official channels.

https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/station/7245/downstream

Matthew Lee Borough Councillor for Sunbury East | County Councillor Buddhi Weerasinghe


Sunbury Life Sunbury-On-Thames Sunbury & Shepperton Matters

Good News for and Residents!

Surrey County Council is on a mission to make our streets safer, and I've just penned down the details in an article featured on Sunbury & Shepperton Matters magazine. Discover how this Local Street Improvements Programme aims to transform our community, prioritise safety, and enhance our living environment.

Read the full article and share your thoughts by visiting https://digital.magmgr.com/Preview/Index/2695163 /41 & https://digital.magmgr.com/Preview/Index/2695161 /26 Your insights matter! Let's make our neighborhood safer and more vibrant together

Sunbury Matters-Page 41
Shepperton Matters -Page 26

Sunbury & Shepperton Matters
https://digital.magmgr.com/Preview/Index/2695163 /41
https://digital.magmgr.com/Preview/Index/2695161 /26

County Councillor Buddhi Weerasinghe
Surrey County Council | Spelthorne Borough Council

Sunbury Life Sunbury on Thames Community Group (UK) Sunbury & Ashford Common Community Matters Matthew Lee Borough Councillor for Sunbury East Halliford and Sunbury Conservatives Charlton Laleham Littleton and Halliford community group Sunbury & Ashford Common Community Matters Spelthorne Business Forum Lower Sunbury Riverside

☎️ Please report urgent issues such as fallen trees blocking roads on 0300 200 1003. Our lines are open 24/7. We can be very busy during storms but your call will be answered and responded to as soon as we can.

➿ For more on emergencies see https://orlo.uk/9umGO

This afternoon Anoma and I had the opportunity to engage in a thoughtful conversation with the Diana Springall, a distinguished figure in the realms of British and . Our discussion delved into her illustrious teaching career and significant contributions through published works, showcasing her commitment to needles and fine arts.

As I actively collaborate with The Sunbury Gallery to support their expansion endeavours, I am pleased to share that Diana has expressed her wholehearted support for a few community initiatives in that I plan to implement. Our conversation also touched upon the poignant observation of the younger generation gradually distancing themselves from traditional hand embroidery, a trend attributed to the pervasive influence of modern technologies - a matter that warrants collective attention.

Diana presented Anoma and me with copies of her biography, ''Diana Springall - A Brave Eye," and her insightful work, "Design for Embroidery - A Fine Art Approach." These tokens serve as symbols of her dedication to preserving artistic heritage. Emboldened by this collaboration, I look forward to leveraging our combined efforts for the enrichment of Sunbury and the perpetuation of our cultural legacy.

If you love to know more about her work, please visit : https://dianaspringallcollection.co.uk/

County Councillor Buddhi Weerasinghe
Surrey County Council | Spelthorne Borough Council

Everyone Sunbury Life Charlton Laleham Littleton and Halliford community group Halliford Village Sunbury-On-Thames Sunbury & Ashford Common Community Matters Sunbury on Thames Community Group (UK) Riverside Arts Centre

Reflecting on the Christian values instilled in me through my childhood experiences with my uncle Gamini and Christian aunt Malani, I find a deep connection to the teachings of Jesus. Christmas, a cherished time in my youth, was marked by the joyous rituals of setting up the manger scene and decorating the Christmas tree with my cousins. Midnight Christmas Mass at St. Cajetan's Church Kotugoda was a great experience, filled with prayers, hymns, and the anticipation of waking up to Christmas morning gifts.

In those simpler times without television or social media, we tuned in to the radio, broadcasting a series of Christmas songs that added to the festive atmosphere. These sweet memories of togetherness and celebration continue to hold a special place in my heart.
Christianity's influence on me goes beyond those festive moments. The values of helping others, practicing generosity, and promoting peace, as taught by Jesus, have become guiding principles in my life.

Generosity transcends mere material giving; it emphasises the intention and spirit behind our actions. The call to store treasures in heaven resonates with the idea that true wealth lies in selfless acts of kindness and compassion.

As Christmas often becomes commercialised, I reflect on its true
essence — a time to remember and embody the teachings of Jesus in our day-to-day lives. Beyond the festive decorations and gifts, Christmas is an opportunity to reflect on the values of love, compassion, and peace.

On this Christmas day, I extend my heartfelt wishes to my aunt, cousins, friends, colleagues, and neighbours, hoping that the spirit of Christmas brings blessings, joy, and a renewed commitment to embody the values that Jesus taught. May we all be blessed with a meaningful and reflective Christmas celebration.

Wishing a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year to the residents of Sunbury and Halliford, as well as the officers at Surrey County Council and Spelthorne Borough Council Spelthorne Borough !
May the holiday season bring you joy, peace, and happiness, and may the coming year be filled with success and prosperity.

Thank you for your continued support, and here's to an amazing 2024.

County Councillor Buddhi Weerasinghe

Last night was a truly special evening at the Sunbury Gallery's Annual Christmas event, where I had the honour of meeting the incredible Diana Springall. According to the Victoria and Albert Museum, Diana is "amongst the most well-known of all British textile artists," dedicated to elevating the contemporary art of embroidery through the Diana Springall Collection, found in collections worldwide.

Diana's commitment to promoting embroidery as a true art form is awe-inspiring. Her extensive collection showcases the incredible work of various artists, and her influence extends through roles such as chair of the Embroiderers' Guild and the Society of Designer Craftsmen.

The Gallery, home to the Sunbury Millennium Embroidery, is planning a transformative expansion into a two-level exhibition and workshop space. This project will not only enhance the visitor experience but also create a 'National Centre for Embroidery' in Sunbury. The integration of the Diana Springall Collection adds a unique dimension to this initiative, turning it into a valuable resource and study centre.

During our conversation last night , Diana and I shared our experiences working with embroidery artists in India. With my background in collaborating with Indian clothing manufacturers, supplying beautifully embroidered women's wear to British fashion retailers (River Island ASOS Reserved , embroidery holds a special place in my heart.

I am committed to support the Gallery in their fundraising efforts to raise £2.75M for this remarkable expansion. Together, we can contribute to the Gallery's ability to enhance people's lives through art, culture, and the rich history of embroidery.

County Councillor Buddhi Weerasinghe
The Sunbury Gallery Surrey County Council Spelthorne Borough Council Sunbury & Ashford Common Community Matters Sunbury Life Charlton Laleham Littleton and Halliford community group Sunbury-on-Thames Tapio Creations Sumedha Batra Ravi Vaidyanathan Damendra Panangala Beverly Ezekiel Penny Baldry Ryan Glynne Sunbury-On-ThamesSunbury Community Group

Had an amazing time at the Lower Sunbury Business Community's Christmas Night on Thursday!

truly holds a special place in our hearts, and events like these only strengthen our sense of community. From the Sunbury Regatta to Remembrance Sunbury Parade and now the Christmas Market, it's incredible to see everyone come together.

Huge shoutout to the dedicated volunteers whose hard work made this festive evening a massive success.

As your Spelthorne Borough Council Councillors, my colleague Cllr Matthew Lee Borough Councillor for Sunbury East and I were pleased to allocate £500 from The Spelthorne Better Neighbourhoods Grant (BNG) Scheme to support this wonderful initiative.

Here's to the spirit of togetherness and the joy of the holiday season!


Sunbury on Thames Community Group (UK) Sunbury-On-Thames Sunbury Life Sunbury & Ashford Common Community Matters

For the attention of residents in my former constituency

Whitton & Heathfield Conservatives Twickenham Conservatives London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Jonathan Hulley

Are you only heating the rooms you need? You could save up to £180 per year by isolating individual radiators using thermostatic valves. Find out how you could save money by making a few small changes https://orlo.uk/f2XtI

I promised during my campaign to be your county councillor that I would look into the concerns of residents about the busy cross junction of Beverley Road/Nursery Road. After addressing your concerns about hazardous parking near the Nursery Road junction with Sutherland Avenue and Beverley Road, I'm delighted to report a positive outcome. Surrey Highways of Surrey County Council, following the Spelthrone Parking Review 2022, has now installed bollards at the junction to enhance safety.

The review considered objections related to school-related parking, potential impacts on residents and visitors, and concerns about deliveries. However, the final decision prioritises road safety by maintaining clear sightlines and access at the bustling crossroads junction. While we understand the challenges during peak school hours, it's crucial to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

Your engagement and feedback were instrumental in achieving this result. Let's continue working together for a safer and more accessible community. Feel free to share your thoughts and stay tuned for more updates on our shared journey toward a secure neighbourhood.

County Councillor Buddhi Weerasinghe

Sunbury & Ashford Common Community Matters Sunbury-On-ThamesSunbury on Thames Community Group (UK) Sunbury Life Sunbury-on-Thames Charlton Laleham Littleton and Halliford community group Halliford Village Sunbury Village Matthew Lee Borough Councillor for Sunbury East Everyone

I am happy to report my residents that the Improvements project on The Avenue has been successfully completed!

Special thanks to Rosie Gurney who petitioned the Spelthorne Borough Council back in 2020 when she was a student at Chennestone Primary School and everyone who provided valuable input and feedback during the Residents Engagement Meeting held on22 May 2022 and via online consultation . Your contributions were instrumental in shaping the final plan.

Key Highlights of the Completed Project:

Crossing: A new zebra crossing has been installed south of the raised table at the junction with Manor Lane, enhancing pedestrian safety.

Pinch-Point: A 'pinch-point' has been created on the carriageway north of the raised table at the junction with Manor Lane, aimed at reducing conflict between vehicles and pedestrians.

Road Cushions: Two sets of road cushions have been placed on both the south and north approaches—south approach to the zebra crossing and north approach to the pinch point. These measures enhance traffic calming and ensure a safer environment.

Zone Extension: The current 20mph Zone will be extended 75m to the junction with Saxonbury Avenue on The Avenue. This extension will benefit pedestrians and motorists accessing the bustling parade of businesses.

Acknowledgment:
A special shoutout to a remarkable young girl, Rosie, from Chennestone Primary School, whose initiative in presenting a petition to the Joint Committee for Spelthorne in 2020 led to the allocation of funding ( by my predecessor Tim Evans) from the 2021-22 annual Surrey County Council Surrey Highways budget for these vital improvements.

Your safety has always been a top priority, and I'm proud that these enhancements will create a safer environment for child and adult pedestrians walking and cycling to and from local schools.

Thank you for your patience and support throughout this process. Let's continue working together to build a safer and more vibrant community!

Sunbury & Ashford Common Community Matters Sunbury-On-Thames Sunbury on Thames Community Group (UK) Sunbury Life Sunbury & Shepperton Matters Sunbury Community Group Sunbury Village Halliford VillageHalliford and Sunbury Conservatives Spelthorne Conservatives Everyone