Local election results, a sinkhole in Hythe marina, and comedian Jim Davidson appealing a driving ban after being caught speeding in Southampton were all top of the news agenda in May.

The month began with the city’s local elections, as Labour retained control of Southampton City Council.

In what turned out to be a comfortable win, 35 Labour councillors secured their seats.

Leader of the council, Cllr Satvir Kaur, told the Echo at the time: “Only two years ago we were in opposition and now we have over two-thirds, the largest majority Labour has ever had.

“I look forward to working with my team to serve our local communities.”

READ MORE: Southampton local elections 2023 - Live updates

Meanwhile, a sinkhole on Shamrock Way in Hythe Marina resulted in a forced closure of the road.

‘Extreme corrosion to a drainage culvert’ that runs under and across the road and footpath was given as the reason for the sinkhole appearing – said a spokesperson for Hampshire County Council.

The road was only accessible to villagers as Diane Herbert of Hythe Marina Association said: “I’ve parked on a friend’s driveway, but a lot of other cars are lining roads in the village.”

READ MORE: Hythe Marina sinkhole - Road collapses in Hampshire

Over in the courts, Jim Davidson appealed a driving ban after he was caught speeding in Southampton the previous year.

The comedian – known for hosting The Generation Game – was caught speeding on Maybray King Way, travelling at 36mph in a 30mph zone in his Mercedes.

Davidson was appealing a 12-month driving ban and three penalty points with a £333 fine.

READ MORE: Jim Davidson appeals driving ban for speeding in Southampton

In some breaking news, Solent Coastguard received a mayday call after someone was spotted in the River Itchen.

The person in question was recovered in Ocean Village where they were met by an awaiting ambulance.

During the rescue effort, an air ambulance was spotted landing in Ocean Village.

READ MORE: Person in River Itchen - live updates

An unusual article told of how a Southampton man had launched a £200k claim against the NHS for the loss of his sex life.

The former sales manager for a plumber’s merchant stated negligent treatment at Southampton General Hospital left him severely disabled and unable to have sex with his partner.

This follows a back injury he sustained at work whilst moving a boiler in 2011.

READ MORE: Southampton man launches £200k claim against NHS for loss of sex life

There was some sad news when it was confirmed that a man died after being found on the hard shoulder of the M27.

Emergency services responded to reports of a man on the hard shoulder of the westbound carriageway, near Junction two.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene and his death was not treated as suspicious.

READ MORE: Man pronounced dead on M27 hard shoulder

In traffic news, holiday makers were seen walking through gridlocked traffic with their luggage as Southampton came to a standstill due to the volume of cruise traffic.

Canute Road, Platform Road, Town Quay and West Quay Road were among the worst affected areas.

A passenger on Queen Mary 2, who asked not to be named, described the scenes at Ocean cruise terminal as ‘absolutely terrible.’

READ MORE: Holidaymakers seen walking through gridlocked traffic

Meanwhile, armed burglars broke into a house on Irving Road while four people were at home, causing a 'significant amount of criminal damage', police said.

READ MORE: Men damage Southampton house with people inside

Animals always pull on the heartstrings - and this story got readers talking.

A Bengal cat was hoping to find its forever home after spending a year at an animal rescue centre.

The four-year-old, named Louie, arrived at the Fair Oak shelter in 2022 after his elderly owner became too ill to look after him.

A spokesperson from St Francis Animal Welfare said: “Louie has taken a long time to come out of his shell, but once he gets to know you, he can be playful and inquisitive.”

READ MORE: Bengal cat still waiting for his forever home after one year

Rounding off the month, Southampton Football Club legend Theo Walcott was reported to be leaving the club following the side’s relegation and expiration of his contract.

The former England international later confirmed his retirement from club football and can now be seen spending time as a pundit, covering games for television.

READ MORE: Walcott reportedly set to leave as Southampton plan 'massive overhaul'