Hampshire & Isle of Wight weekly round-up: 6 April - 12 April 2024

The Ship Inn at Langstone, Havant, flooded in the early hours

A story about the flooding that hit parts of the region was among our most read this week in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight.

A variety of local issues featured on the BBC News website, BBC Radio Solent and South Today.

We have picked five stories to keep you up to date.

Islanders urged to report Asian hornet sightings

The invasive species are already widespread in mainland Europe

People on the Isle of Wight are being asked to report any potential sightings of Asian hornets.

The invasive species are more aggressive than European hornets and prey on native insects.

Nests have been found in East Sussex, Kent, Devon and Dorset in recent years, with the species already widespread in mainland Europe.

Smaller than native hornets, they can be identified by their orange faces and yellow-tipped legs.

Minister calls for whole-life murderer Victor Farrant to stay in jail

Glenda Hoskins was killed by Victor Farrant, who drowned her in the bath of her home in Portsmouth

Cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt urged Justice Secretary Alex Chalk not to release a murderer who was given a whole-life prison term.

Victor Farrant was told he would never be freed after killing his ex-girlfriend Glenda Hoskins, 43, in Portsmouth, in 1996.

Mrs Hoskins' children were recently told he may be released on compassionate grounds.

Probation, prison staff and police will meet to discuss the level of risk he poses.

Tenants 'up in arms' over ex-army homes eviction

Colin Hall, 78, said there were no rental properties available in the area

Residents have criticised "scandalous" notices to quit their homes in a former garrison town.

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has given two months' notice to tenants who live in former army accommodation in Bordon, Hampshire.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said eight notices had been issued, on the terms agreed in contracts.

However, resident Colin Hall, 78, said more properties were affected and residents were "up in arms".

High tides bring coastal flooding

Many roads through East Cowes were left underwater

High tides combined with strong winds led to flooding in parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The Environment Agency (EA) issued a flood alert for the high tide on the coast around the Isle of Wight.

The high tide, which was higher than normal due to unsettled weather with strong westerly Force 6 winds, struck the coast on Tuesday.

Many roads were impassable, including Castle Street, East Cowes, and Weston Shore near Southampton.

Cancer expert who overcame disease urges charity donations

Catherine Pointer works at Cancer Research UK Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre

A cancer researcher who twice fought the disease as a teenager is urging people to think about donating to the charity she works for.

Catherine Pointer, 31, was first diagnosed with leukaemia aged 14 and for a second time aged 17.

After gruelling treatment, she secured a PhD, is now a mum-of-one and works at a cancer medicine centre at Southampton General Hospital.

That post is part-funded by Cancer Research UK.

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