THE cost of living crisis is hitting businesses and residents in Basingstoke hard. 

Yesterday, the rate of inflation was confirmed at a staggering nine per cent, the highest for 40 years, fuelled by rising energy prices, global supply chain problems and the war in Ukraine.

Meanwhile there are warnings that a recession is looming. One Basingstoke business has been hit hard with its gas bills increasing by more than 400 per cent.

Manik Biswas has run the Saffron Tandoori in Brighton Hill for 15 years, but said he is now facing tough times after his gas bill rose to more than £3,000 a month.

SEE ALSO: Alleged attacker to stand trial accused of wounding man following 'altercation' outside pub

Also in this week's paper:

  • A Basingstoke man who failed to get the right care for his German Shephard dog with arthritis has been found guilty of “inhumane” animal neglect
  • The council has finally approved planning permission for a charity to build a new hall for Scouts and Guides, who have been without a permanent base for years
  • Basingstoke's MP has written to the minister for housing and planning to request that the planning application for a distribution depot at Oakdown Farm be calledin under powers available to the Government
  • A former paramedic accused of sexually touching a child and giving him pain relief gas which he stole from his employer has been found by a tribunal to have sent more than 38,000 messages to the boy during a 10-month period, including many of a ‘lewd and ‘sexual’ nature
  • A Basingstoke dad who set himself a bizarre challenge to walk up Snowdon in a full suit armour to raise money for a friend with Lyme disease has completed the gruelling mission
  • Basingstoke and Deane has a new mayor following a ceremony held by the borough council
  • A “much-loved beautiful young woman” took her own life after a “miscommunication” between several mental health services left her feeling like she had “no hope”, an inquest heard
  • Two pages of your letters to the editor
  • The latest business news
  • Three pages of entertainment news
  • Three pages of local sports news
  • And much more!

READ MORE: Man in his 90s ends up in a ditch following a road traffic collision

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