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By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter

Extension plans to convert a Portswood hardware shop into a takeaway restaurant have been approved despite objections from a charity which supports Southampton’s learning disability community.

In this update, Bitterne Park councillor Phil Webb discusses the current state and future plans for the ward’s seven play areas.

Work, when it starts, could take around three months to repair a retaining wall on St Denys Road, involve “an electricity shut down for certain properties” and the full closure of the westbound carriageway for a cable diversion, according to a new council page.

By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter

Councillors have asked for a focused briefing on a huge investment project which aims to protect hundreds of Southampton homes and businesses from flooding.

One of the few remaining independent hardware stores in the area is set to close after 35 years, and a planning application to turn the property into a takeaway is winding its way before councillors.

Flagship Coffee opened this month on Portswood Road in premises previously occupied by The Nest, promising a modern, speciality approach to the city’s coffee culture.

Bluestar has said that its service 20 buses that run into Southampton from Bitterne Park will be turning right from St Catherine’s Road down the lower section of Bond Road from September.

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Southampton Airport has launched a £100,000 ‘Spitfire Wellbeing Fund’ to support local community organisations’ initiatives that reduce health inequalities and improve health and wellbeing.

A reader whose grandfather used to own Saunders Dairy in Bitterne Park has been in touch to ask whether anyone can share information, photos or memories of it.

By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter

A petition urging Southampton City Council to build a theme park on the Toys R Us site has ended with a dozen signatures.
Photo: LDRS

A 13-year old boy has been taken to hospital with serious injuries following a collision between a car and an e-scooter on Wellington Road.

Sovereign Network Group is appealing against the council’s decision to reject plans to build 84 dwellings on the former St Mary’s School playing fields, and the case will now go to an inquiry.

•Government proposes return of mandatory housing targets; city's goal reduced

Southampton City Council (SCC) has completed a major project, transforming East Park Terrace into a road exclusively for buses, cycles, and taxis.

By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter

Planning reform proposals announced by government have been welcomed by the leader of Southampton City Council – while the city’s housing target is expected to drop.

Police have launched an appeal after a house on Cobden Avenue was broken into during the night and various items of jewellery were taken.

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The local “(mostly) folk artist”, who previously published a book of Midanbury tunes, has released a new single from her forthcoming EP.

By Natalia Forero, Local Democracy Reporter

The new home for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, which will bring a “life-saving” service near Southampton Airport, has been unanimously approved.

There appears to still be no firm timetable for repairs to the St Denys Road railway bridge, which has caused a lane closure, and much inconvenience, since mid-December 2023 due to a landslip - although progress described as “good” between the parties involved is reported.