New £200,000 soft play centre opens in Hampshire town

• It features a multi-level adventure play structure, drop and spiral slides, interactive trampolines and dedicated zones for under-threes and older children.

Today in Winchester and Hampshire cathedral towns

Conditions in your area this morning.

The local news that matters this morning

Here's the local news from the past 24 hours, made easy to digest.

Hampshire Chronicle - Romsey · 2 days ago Police officers and staff set off on 300-mile cycle ride to honour fallen colleagues • The riders are raising money for COPS, a charity that supports the families of officers who have died while serving.

Hampshire Chronicle · yesterday 'Our petition has never been about opposing accessibility in River Park' • Accessibility is important, and River Park should be welcoming to everyone.

Hampshire Chronicle · today Retired professor who 'supported his students' died after car crash, inquest hears • Derek Pletcher died aged 82 at Southampton General Hospital on July 11, 2025, after broken ribs in a Romsey crash led to pneumonia and respiratory failure.

Southern Daily Echo - News · today World's longest running play coming to Southampton for 75th anniversary • The world's longest running play The Mousetrap will return to Mayflower Theatre in 2027 as it celebrates its 75th anniversary.

Hampshire Chronicle · Local news · today Tribute to former Winchester conservation officer Andrew Rutter • THE Chronicle leader does not usually write about individuals but will make an exception following the death of Andrew Rutter last week. • Mr Rutter was the first conservation officer at Winchester City Council appointed in 1974 and served until 1999.

Southern Daily Echo - News · Local news · today City centre building society to close Southampton branch after 17 years • A well known building society is set to close the doors of its Southampton branch after 17 years.

BBC News - Hampshire · Local news · yesterday Tower blocks demolition is 'least worst option' • A councillor defends a plan to close four sub-standard tower blocks and uproot hundreds of residents.

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Did you know? · Winchester

Winchester College, founded by Bishop William of Wykeham in 1382, has the longest continuous history of any English school and has occupied the same buildings since 1394.

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