The Residents’ Association was formed in 1928 and has been run by volunteers continually since then – more than 80 years of service to the residents in our community.
We are pleased to say that in 2016 our membership represents around 30% of all households (about 2600) across the three villages. We have a network of 160 volunteer street representatives who help keep contact with all members and deliver our newsletter 3 times a year.
Following the introduction of the Localism Act in 2011, our association has been instrumental in setting up a Neighbourhood Forum for each of the three villages. At our 2016 AGM, it was agreed that each forum would have a representative with full voting rights on our committee.
What is the Residents’ Association?
The Byfleet, West Byfleet & Pyrford Residents’ Association is a local group, made up of local residents (tenants and homeowners) who represent the interests of everyone living in the area. We aim to work together to represent the views of all tenants and home owners in the area to help make the neighbourhood a better place to live. The Residents’ Association plays a large part in dealing with problems that people come up against, as well as organising things like social events. Residents’ Associations are set up for everyone to join and our membership is open to all local residents. We do not discriminate against members of the community because of race, age, sex, disability, income, religion or class. For more information see our constitution.
Details about the roles and responsibilities of the Associations’ post holders can be found here.
How does the Association work?
The Residents’ Association works a little like a pressure group. We may also help to arrange activities and social events. We meet monthly with local Councillors (except for August and December) to discuss and try to solve the problems in our community, such as:
- Planning Applications
- Cleaning
- Parking
- Vandalism
- Promoting Community Spirit, Tolerance and Co-operation
- Promoting Residents’ Rights
- Improve housing and the Living Environment
- Inform all Residents and Represent the Majority View of Members
Being a member means you can:
- Through the Committee, tell the Council how you want the local area improved
- Have a chance to choose what you want
- Keep informed of local issues
- Develop a better sense of community spirit
- Enjoy social events with your neighbours
- Meet residents from other villages
To join:
- Complete the Join Us form
- Contact the Membership Secretary
- Come and see us at many local events and fetes
The Residents’ Association needs YOU
The odds are that if you are reading this page you are already a member of the Byfleet, West Byfleet & Pyrford Resident’s Association. If so, thank you. You are one of 2800 households across the three villages.
Over decades the RA has achieved much, for example: fighting development on Randal Field, Pyrford in 1999; amending the Norwich Union plans for Sheer House development, moving it away from fronting onto the Old Woking Road to where it is now, and holding public meetings about key planning proposals like Murray’s Lane & the Site Development Planning Document.
To continue to make residents’ voices heard in the East of Woking, the RA needs more volunteers.
There are many possible roles but the greatest need is for Street Representatives. A Street Rep delivers the Resident Magazine three times a year, collects the £5 annual subscription, and acts as a key conduit via the Village Representatives between Residents and the RA Committee.
Other possible roles include:
- Membership Secretary, to report numbers and overview Village Representatives’ activity on the RA database
Can YOU provide the RA with some time?
If you would like to volunteer, please contact one of the Village Representatives listed on the Committee page, or any other officer you may know.
Stewart Dick (Chairman)
Eleanor Grady (Village Representative Byfleet)
Keith Creswell (Village Representative West Byfleet)
Andy Grimshaw (Village Representative Pyrford)