September started with news that parking could become more expensive as the city council looked for ways to raise more cash.
The proposals included new tariffs for off-street and on-street parking, which, in some cases, would go up by 60p.
The move would ‘simplify’ parking within the city centre, the council said, despite making it more costly for motorists.
In crime news, police seized a machete the size of a small sword following the launch of a new operation - Op Meero - to stamp out youth violence in Southampton.
Chief Inspector Marcus Kennedy said the weapon – which was spotted by a member of the public and reported – was a sign of strengthening links between the community and police.
In the same month, the mother of 15-year-old Marcel Wochna said her son was left alone to drown after an inquest found his death was “contributed to by neglect”.
Delivering their verdict following four days of evidence, jurors found a lack of action from police probably led to the 15-year-old’s death.
“I have never been able to understand why the police officers simply left my son, and I’ve always believed that Marcel probably would have survived if only the officers had taken some action to help him,” Beata Wochna said in a statement.
Meanwhile, tributes were paid to a well-loved and talented musician who died at Southampton General Hospital.
Curtis Allen, 29, was laid to rest after he was found at a footbridge over Tanner’s Brook.
Speaking at his funeral, held the same day he would have celebrated his 30th birthday, his mum, Carol Allen, 60, said: “He was the kindest, funniest boy. He was still my boy and my baby.”
An inquest was opened into his death.
Following an investigation, police said the death of a man outside Freemantle United Reformed Church was “unexplained but not suspicious”.
Police were called out to Shirley Road just after 12pm on August 19 after paramedics reported being called to a concern for welfare incident.
The man died a short time later.
In sports news, the CEO of Saints explained the club’s finances were “in control” in an exclusive interview with the Daily Echo.
Phil Parsons said the club’s relegation meant revenue was halved, with a huge reduction in broadcast revenue being a big factor.
“There has been a lot of cleaning up. There’s a loan against the club which we have to manage, so we’re in control of the club finances but we will have to adapt as we go,” he said.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here