Local News
Father Christmas arrives by helicopter for annual visit to hospices
After spending time in the grotto, Father Christmas enjoyed some Naomi House & Jacksplace cake and biscuits, chatted with families and staff.
Local messages
Moonpig working with Santa to deliver Christmas letters for free
Moonpig wants every child to feel "extra special", offering parents and guardians a choice of seven different designs.
Man charged with stealing more than £330 worth of meat from Sainsbury's
Jamie McCaul, 44, has been charged with shoplifting over £330 of goods from Sainsbury’s in Fleet. He appears at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court today.
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MP welcomes new £3.5 billion homelessness strategy
The plan includes around £148,603,406 in extra funding for the South East and introduces a duty on public services to work together to prevent homelessness.
Domestic abuse services in danger as funding uncertain, PCC warns
Donna Jones has warned that delays in confirming government funding for perpetrator intervention schemes threaten critical support.
Foodbank volunteers preparing more than 1,000 hampers for families in need
The effort is being led by Basingstoke Foodbank with the support of an "army of volunteers" and community donations.
400 new homes planned on greenfield land near Andover
Developers want to build on 19.96 hectares of land to the south of Forest Lane, Picket Twenty, Andover, directly north of the A303.
Free programme to teach life skills to young people coming to Andover
The programme offers accredited training in practical topics including budgeting, managing bills, and tenancy and housing rights.
Vital domestic abuse services could close unless funding secured, PCC warns
The commissioner has written to the Home Secretary, calling for immediate clarity to prevent gaps in service.
Businesses pack 100 boxes for foodbanks this winter
The effort raised more than £3,000, with all boxes set to be distributed across Basingstoke.
'So emotional' - 53-mile Christmas convoy made its way through towns and villages
A Christmas charity convoy involving more than 80 drivers, travelled 53 miles on Saturday, December 13, to raise money for a local school.
Council looking for 'top-class' partner to help Basingstoke 'reach for the stars'
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is seeking a partner to invest in the town centre regeneration.
Students showcase their talents and 'produce a fantastic show'
The festive performances showcased the talents of students from across the college’s creative and performing arts departments.
School promoting love of nature through Forest School programme
Pupils have learned to safely light small fires to heat water for hot chocolate, toast marshmallows, and build bug hotels to help insects find safe places to live.
20-year-old charged after two police officers assaulted during incident
Bradley Fisher, 20, from Aldershot, charged with assaulting two police officers and drunk and disorderly conduct in Fleet; court date set for January 2026.He is due to appear in court next month
Two Aussie players to join Hampshire Cricket for 2026 season
Australian duo Michael Neser and Jake Lehmann will join the squad for the 2026 cricket season.
Man arrested after midnight ram-raid with Land Rover at corner shop
After an early morning ram-raid at One Stop in Hook, a man has been arrested.
'High value' handbags and jewellery stolen in two separate burglaries
Jewellery and designer handbags stolen in Andover and Highclere burglaries. Police appeal for witnesses and CCTV. Contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101.
Jewellery and high-value handbags stolen during two home burglaries
Jewellery and designer handbags stolen in Andover and Highclere burglaries. Police appeal for witnesses and CCTV. Contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101.
Road closures agreed to allow new water connection to be installed
South East Water will provide reasonable facilities to allow access to adjacent premises.