The Purley & Woodcote Residents Association (PWRA) has been around for over 80 years and has stood up for residents of Purley in protecting, preserving, and enhancing its special character. It works with other local groups to champion our district centre and more recently has done a lot to support residents on contentious planning applications.
Other successes over the years, including the running of the Purley Community Flood Plan and working with Tesco on their development plans.
The PWRA is strictly apolitical and has been keen to attract residents of all ages and backgrounds. As local councillors, we have worked closely with the PWRA, as did our predecessors.
Unfortunately, the PWRA’s future is under threat. Their Chairman, Tony Smith (who agreed to take the chairmanship in an interim capacity) has decided to stand down due to other commitments. We are so grateful to Tony for taking up this role and for all he does for Purley.
The PWRA is also losing its long-standing Treasurer Andrew Frazer and its Planning Officer, Andrew Gammie. Both Andrews have worked tirelessly for the PWRA and will be missed from the Committee.
We have a resident who has agreed to serve as Treasurer but in the absence of a Chair and Planning Officer, the PWRA will regrettably have to disband following its AGM on Wednesday 14th June, which takes place at 7pm at Christ Church, Purley.
As local councillors, we are saddened by this news and want to support Tony and the outgoing Committee in reviving this important organisation. We see active Residents Associations has integral to the functioning of local democracy and community cohesion, and the PWRA’s demise would take us many steps backwards.
We are therefore putting out the call for any residents interested in getting involved in their local community to join the PWRA’s Committee and take on an important role.
The Chair role is fairly self-explanatory – they chair the meetings, approve minutes and work with the Committee on action points. The Planning Officer monitors new planning applications in Purkey and makes recommendations to the Committee each month. If needed, they will also draft an objection/email of support to the Council.
To register interest for either position, please email Tony Smith at [email protected]. We are also very happy to be contacted to provide more information and can be contacted at [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected].
