OVER to you - that's the message to residents all over Eastleigh now that civic chiefs are backing a move for a blue plaque scheme to spotlight the former homes of the famous and any sites of historical interest .

Councillor Steve Broomfield wants to boost tourism by trumpeting the heritage of Eastleigh and its environs.

His idea of marking anything in the borough that has a famous connection - including houses, workplaces and factories - has the full backing of the borough council.

He says he would even like to rename Southampton International Airport the RJ Mitchell Airport after the designer of the Spitfire fighter aircraft.

He has already identified three candidates in West End. They are the homes of the founder of the first international conservation organisation Men of the Trees, Richard St Barbe Baker, the cricketer CB Fry and Sir Arthur Rostron, captain of the Carpathia which rescued 706 people from Titanic.

Botley's connections with political radical and thinker William Cobbett and Bursledon's Elephant Boatyard where one of Nelson's flagships was built have also been suggested. He's not concerned whether the plaques are blue or Eastleigh Council green.

Steve says it is now time to ask the public what they would like to see marked.

He said: "I was chuffed to bits when my move went through unanimously with all-party support. It is quite important that we find as wide a source of suggestions as possible. I would like people to contact me with suggestions by e-mail at steven.broomfield@eastleigh.gov.uk

He added: "I am grateful to the Daily Echo for its support too."

Once suggestions had been made, owners and occupiers of the various properties would also need to agree to the move. He also held out hopes that the council might be able to find sponsors. Steve says he is still thinking about making a bid to change the name of the airfield from which the prototype Spitfire first flew. He said: "I'm waiting to gauge if there is popular support and will read the Letters page of the Daily Echo with interest."