SPJARA History

The starting point for creating the St Philip and St James (Area) Residents' Association was the proposal by St Philip and St James Church Council to build a large two-storey 'Community Centre' on the land between Church House and the church. In response, 193 local residents signed a joint objection to the proposed building, on the grounds of its perceived adverse impact on the Conservation Area, the setting of adjoining listed buildings, Church House garden and trees, the amenity of immediate neighbours, the volumes of traffic and car parking on adjoining streets, the users of Brandon Terrace Lane and the St Philip and St James playgroup. In order to oppose the proposed development it was decided to form the SP&JARA and in February 2006 the Association was formally constituted.The Church Council has since decided not to go ahead with the proposed 'Community Centre', for business reasons.

Since its fornation, the Association has been committed to positive action, as shown in the newsletters and the currect issues. Its statutes commit it to:

" promote the well-being, and protect the amenities, of the residents of the streets immediately surrounding St Philip and St James Church, Leckhampton
" encourage social contact, and promote joint activity, among these residents
" safeguard and enhance the quality and convenience of streets and open spaces within that area.
In furtherance of these objects, but not otherwise, the Association may :
" arrange meetings, events, exhibitions etc
" collect and disseminate information
" undertake or commission research
" publish newsletters, pamphlets, books, photographs, films etc
" raise funds and invite and receive contributions from any person or persons by way of subscriptions or otherwise
" do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the attainment of the objects.