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 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: "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.''