The Byfleet, West Byfleet & Pyrford Residents’ Association (the ‘RA’) is a local community group open to local residents (homeowners and tenants) and businesses operating in the three villages. We attempt to represent the interests of everyone living in our area and/or contributing to the local economy. We strive to ensure that the three villages remain attractive, prosperous, environmentally sustainable, safe and socially welcoming places in which to live.
The RA was formed in 1928 and has been run by volunteers continuously since then – more than 90 years of dedicated service to the residents of our villages.
At the end of 2019 membership represented around 30% of all households (around 2,400 homes). We have a network of approx. 150 volunteer street representatives who keep contact with our members, deliver our newsletter and collect subscriptions. These street representatives are the life blood of the RA.
The RA plays an important part in addressing local issues that residents come up against. We do not discriminate against members of the community because of race, age, gender, disability, income, religion or class. We are non-political.
Following upon the Localism Act of 2011, the RA was fully involved in the establishment of Neighbourhood Forums for each of the three villages and continues to support them.
What is the role of the Residents’ Association?
One of our main activities is reviewing all planning applications submitted to Woking Borough Council (WBC) and deciding, having consulted with our relevant Village Representative, whether we should lodge an objection. We will also discuss applications with the appropriate Neighbourhood Forum in the context of its Neighbourhood Plan. If necessary, we will speak at the WBC Planning Committee.
Another vital responsibility is our Rights of Way Officer who monitors footpaths, bridleways etc.
Recently we have been both active and vocal regarding protecting our precious green belt, arranging public meetings and objecting to parts of the WBC Site Allocation Development Plan Document.
We are aware of the increase in anti-social behaviour which is not acceptable.
Your Committee holds ten meetings a year and we receive excellent support from our Ward Councillors and our Member of Parliament. Without their assistance we would not be able to resolve many of the issues that we are faced with. It is very much a team effort.
Looking forward the RA would like to expand its community involvement to include health, education, and leisure facilities for young people. That is dependent on having volunteers with both an interest and a desire to become involved and, if possible, a related skill.
The RA also supports local charities and has a donations policy. Over time the RA seeks to achieve equality of treatment between each of the three villages.
Three times a year the RA produces its own magazine, ‘The Resident’, which is our mouthpiece and in addition contains many articles on and about the overall community.
The Residents’ Association needs YOU
If you are reading this website then the likelihood is that you are already a member of the RA or at the very least have an interest in your community.
For over 90 years the RA has achieved a huge amount that has benefitted your community. We could not have done so without your help and support. As one issue is resolved (not always as we might wish) another matter appears on our agenda. It is never ending. We need your involvement.
We fully understand that for many of you it is difficult with work and a family to take on another commitment. However we always have a need for people who are willing to help out with one off challenges. If we do not know about you we cannot approach you.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact your Village Representative or any other member of the Committee.
Stewart Dick (Chairman)
Eleanor Grady (Village Representative Byfleet)
Keith Creswell (Village Representative West Byfleet)
Andy Grimshaw (Village Representative Pyrford)