Eastleigh

Eastleigh is a railway town in Hampshire, UK; and the main town in the Eastleigh borough.

Related Topics:
Hampshire - UK - Eastleigh borough

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The town lies between Southampton and Winchester, and is part of the South Hampshire conurbation. Eastleigh borough stretches from Netley on the banks of Southampton Water, the historic river villages of Hamble-le-Rice, Bursledon and Botley, the developing areas of Hedge End, West End and Fair Oak and the green residential belt of Chandler's Ford.

Related Topics:
Southampton - Winchester - South Hampshire - Netley - Southampton Water - Hamble-le-Rice - Bursledon - Botley - Hedge End - Chandler's Ford

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A village called East Leah has been nearby for centuries, but the railway station was originally named Bishopstoke Junction, only becoming Eastleigh in 1923, after the town that sprung up around it, with the building of the railway works.

Related Topics:
Bishopstoke - Railway works

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With a population of over 117,000 Eastleigh has seen a rapid and controlled expansion in residential, industrial and commercial development over recent years.

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Perhaps Eastleigh's most well known 'resident' is the Spitfire plane which was built in the town and first flown from Eastleigh Aerodrome (now Southampton International Airport).

Related Topics:
Spitfire - Southampton International Airport

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The most famous person linked to Eastleigh is Benny Hill who grew up in the town. In his honour a new road was recently named Benny Hill Close, though many of the people who had bought the new homes were not happy with the decision.

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In 2005 Eastleigh's MP became Chris Huhne (Liberal Democrat) after the previous MP (David Chidgey, also Liberal Democrat) retired. Eastleigh has a tradition of close contests, and Huhne narrowly beat the Conservative candidate Conor Burns with the second lowest swing against the Liberal Democrats of any seat with a retiring MP (2.6%).

Related Topics:
2005 - Chris Huhne - David Chidgey - Conor Burns

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