After a summer of drought, which Southern Water did not manage brilliantly, we now have an excess of rainfall, on top of the freeze of last week, which has led to absolute chaos in the water network both locally and further afield.

I have made the point repeatedly to Southern Water that it is simply inadequate to have bottled water stations only in Winchester and Eastleigh, when there are thousands of homes in Southampton without water.

There need to be supplies of bottled water available where people can access them, including via public transport, which was impossible on Wednesday night.  

Of course this column won't be printed until Friday, and I very much hope things are resolved by then, but will be raising Southern Water's management of this crisis in the House in the New Year.

Whilst this may be a pretty gloomy end to the year, and for a wide variety of reasons I will not be sorry to see the back of 2022, there is still much to feel festive about.  

The Abbey opened up for relocated Carols in the Market Place to prevent everyone from getting soggy on Monday, the Candlelight Service at the United Reform on Sunday was just beautiful and all over the constituency, I have seen some stunning nativity scenes. So I would just like to take this opportunity to wish all readers a very Merry Christmas.

Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP

Member of Parliament for Romsey and Southampton North 

Chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee