Stephen Slominski
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Articles by Stephen Slominski
Former Leigh Ballroom reopens as Eastleigh Town Community Hub
A historic Eastleigh building once known as Leigh Ballroom has reopened as a new community hub and youth facility following its transfer from Eastleigh Borough Council to Eastleigh Town Council. The Eastleigh Town Community Hub, known as ETCH, was officially opened by Eastleigh Mayor Cllr Janice Asman and Eastleigh Town Council chair Cllr Gaz Richardson. The building has a long history in the town.
Teen arrested after alleged knife incident on Fair Oak Road
Fair Oak Road facing South – pic Google maps A 17-year-old boy from Durley has been arrested following an alleged knife incident on Fair Oak Road. According to a post published on the Eastleigh Police Facebook page, officers from response and neighbourhood policing teams were called to reports of a fight on Wednesday afternoon. Police said the incident involved two people who were known to each other. An 18-year-old man from Eastleigh suffered a cut to his hand along with head injuries.
Knightwood campaigner urges Hampshire’s new council to revisit local bus service cuts
Bus campaigner Susan Dorsett has called on Hampshire’s incoming council leadership to revisit recent controversial transport cuts following major political changes at County Hall. The county council is now under no overall control after May’s elections left the chamber split between Conservatives on 27 seats, Liberal Democrats on 26 and Reform UK on 20, with Labour, independents and resident groups holding the remaining seats.
Train services disrupted as armed police swoop on railway station: teens arrested
Armed police at Eastleigh railway station pic Raj Sukhdev Train services between Southampton Central and Winchester were disrupted on Sunday evening as armed police arrested seven teenagers at Eastleigh Railway Station following a reports of an incident involving teens carrying knives in the town centre. South Western Railway warned passengers shortly after 6pm that all lines between Southampton Central and Winchester had been blocked while police dealt with an incident.
Police appeal after shoplifting at Hedge End Co-op
Police have issued an appeal after items worth £25 were stolen from a Co-op store in Hedge End. The incident happened at the Co-op on Lower Northam Road between 12.50pm and 12.55pm on Monday, April 27. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary said officers would like to speak to a woman in connection with the reported shoplifting. She is described as white, aged between 30 and 40, approximately 5ft 4ins tall, of medium build, with short black hair worn in a bun.
Tories lose Hampshire majority as Lib Dems and Reform make gains
The Conservatives have lost control of Hampshire County Council for the first time in almost 30 years after major losses left the authority with no overall control. The final political make-up of the 78-seat council is now Conservatives 27, Liberal Democrats 26, Reform UK 20, Green Party one, Labour one, Independent one, Whitehill & Bordon Community Party one and Community Campaign (Hart) one.
Lib Dems maintain grip on Eastleigh council as Reform surge fails to win seats
Liberal Democrats tightened their 31-year grip on Eastleigh Borough Council after comfortably seeing off a challenge from Reform UK despite Reform fielding candidates in every ward. A total of 15 seats were contested, including two in Chandler’s Ford, both of which were retained by the Liberal Democrats with Alan Broadhurst and Dave Walker elected.
Liberal Democrats tipped to hold Eastleigh but Reform to make West End gains
Count gets under at Fleming Park pic courtesy Russell Kitching As polls closed in the local elections across Eastleigh Borough Council, a newly published poll predicted that Reform UK could make a breakthrough at borough level by winning both West End North and West End South. The poll, published by Politics UK, also suggested the Conservatives could win in Fair Oak & Horton Heath, doubling their representation on the borough council, while the Independents were forecast to retain Bishopstoke.
Polls open across Eastleigh for ‘super Thursday’ elections
Voting is under way across Eastleigh today as residents go to the polls in what has been dubbed “super Thursday”. Around 60 polling stations across the borough opened at 7am and will remain open until 10pm tonight. Voters are being asked to elect borough, county and, in some areas, town and parish councillors. There is one Eastleigh Borough Council seat up for election in each of the borough’s 14 wards, except in Chandler’s Ford, where voters can choose two candidates.
‘Vote Tory’ urge former Reform rivals in Horton Heath
Conservative candidate Steve Broomfield is the recipient of two unexpected endorsements Two former leading members of Reform UK’s Eastleigh branch are urging voters in Fair Oak and Horton Heath who may be thinking of backing their old party in the county council election to instead support incumbent Conservative councillor Steve Broomfield.
Lib dems predicted to hold local Borough seats but lose out to Reform in county contest
The Liberal Democrats will retain control of Eastleigh Borough Council whatever the outcome of Thursday’s poll. Voters across the Eastleigh area go to the polls on Thursday with PollCheck forecasting the biggest political shake-up at Hampshire County Council in decades.
Eastleigh councillor and former mayor passes away
Cynthia Garton during her time as Mayor of Eastleigh The death has been announced of long-serving Eastleigh councillor Cynthia Garton. Eastleigh Borough Council said Councillor Garton passed away on Saturday, May 2. Councillor Garton was first elected to the borough council in 2010 to represent Hedge End South, having previously served on Hedge End Town Council since 1999.
Eastleigh voters face three-ballot Thursday
Stock pic by Steve Houghton-Burnett via unsplash Voters in Eastleigh will face an unusually complex set of local elections this Thursday (7 May), with some required to complete up to three ballot papers and choose multiple representatives across different tiers of local government. This is because in some wards borough, county and parish elections are all taking place on the same day — something that would not normally happen.
Reminder: Clocks to go forward Saturday night
Composite image created with AI. As Eastleigh moves slowly into Spring, residents are in for a bonus tomorrow an extra hour of daylight! At 2:00 AM on Sunday, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) ends, clocks go forward one hour, ushering in British Summer Time (BST). Many gadgets reset automatically but traditional timepieces will need to be put back manually. A brief history of daylight saving Daylight Saving Time (DST) was first introduced during World War I as an energy-saving measure.
Police recover stolen moped and make drug arrest in Eastleigh
Police have arrested two men in separate incidents in Eastleigh, including a teenager suspected of stealing a moped. Officers were called after a moped was reported stolen from an address on Newtown Road between 8pm on Monday, 23 March and 8.30am the following day. Within two hours of the report, officers from the Neighbourhood Enforcement Team and Roads Policing Unit were carrying out patrols on Leigh Road when they spotted a moped matching the description.
Eastleigh Borough Council to be scrapped after 54 years
Eastleigh Borough Council will be scrapped and absorbed into a new Southampton-led authority under a major reorganisation of local government across Hampshire. Earlier today, ministers confirmed that the 14 councils will be replaced by four new mainland unitary authorities, with Eastleigh merged into a “South West Hampshire” council centred on Southampton. The move will bring to an end a council first incorporated in April 1974 — set to be abolished almost exactly 54 years later.
Police seek man and woman after £268 theft at Eastleigh TK Maxx
Police are appealing for help to identify a man and woman following a reported shoplifting incident at a town centre store. The incident took place at TK Maxx in Wells Place, Eastleigh, between 1.28pm and 1.35pm on Monday 16 February. It is reported that trainers and socks worth £268 were stolen. Officers say they would like to speak to a man described as white, aged between 30 and 40, around 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins tall, of medium build, with short red or reddish-blonde hair.
Drugs and weapons seized in police crackdown on county lines in Eastleigh and Hedge End
Police made multiple arrests and seized drugs, weapons and cash during a week of action targeting county lines activity across Eastleigh and Hedge End. Officers carried out a series of operations between March 2 and March 9 as part of a national intensification week aimed at disrupting drug dealing networks and protecting vulnerable people.
Eastleigh man says cancer test ‘saved my life’
Eastleigh resident Dave Bowen, who says a PSA test “saved my life”, is supporting a national cancer research appeal An Eastleigh man who was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer is backing a national fundraising appeal, urging men to get tested after he said a simple check “saved my life”. Dave Bowen, who lives in central Eastleigh, shared his experience as part of a campaign by the Institute of Cancer Research, which has already raised more than £168,000 to fund new treatments.
Mini bus reconnects Valley Park after months of campaigning
Susan Dorsett (left) with campaigners who highlighted the need for improved bus services in Valley Park and Knightwood A new community minibus service is reconnecting Valley Park and Knightwood with surrounding areas after months of campaigning by local residents. The expanded Community First Route 44 service now runs three times a weekday, linking the area with Chandler’s Ford, Hiltingbury, Velmore and Eastleigh, with onward connections to Winchester and Southampton via the Bluestar 1.
Botley father asks “How many more lives?” after study backs heart screening for young people
Graham Hunter: “Nothing prepares you for that phone call telling you your child is gone.” A Botley father whose daughter died suddenly just five months after her wedding says new research showing heart screening can detect life-threatening conditions should prompt the Government to introduce routine checks for young people.
Daytime and overnight traffic lights planned for Botley Bypass works
pic Hampshire County Council Road users are being warned to expect temporary traffic lights on key routes around Botley as construction of the Botley Bypass moves into a new phase. Hampshire County Council says traffic management will be in place on the A3051 and A334 from the end of March until late April while engineers carry out drainage works and earthworks linking the existing road network to the new bypass.
Eastleigh hotel wins two awards as hospitality event held in West End
Jane Standing (l) receives the Lifetime Award at the Southampton Region Hospitality Awards. The Holiday Inn Eastleigh, pictured, also won an award An Eastleigh hotel has picked up two awards at a regional hospitality ceremony held in West End. More than 130 hospitality professionals gathered at the Utilita Bowl on 27 February for the annual Hospitality Awards organised by the Southampton Region Hoteliers Association.
Hedge End teen raises £6,000 for cardiac charity after life-saving surger
Jasmine Bannister from Hedge End with the 3D printed model of her heart that helped surgeons plan her operation. Pic: Heartbeat A 14-year-old girl from Hedge End who wanted to repay the charity that funded a 3D model of her heart for life-saving surgery has raised more than £6,000 to help other young patients. Jasmine Bannister was born with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, a rare condition in which the left and right ventricles of the heart are reversed.
C4 contestant faces backlash in Archers Road HMO dispute
C4 contestant Reuben Wincott pictured alongside 41 Archers Rd, which he hopes to convert into an HMO A property developer currently appearing on a Channel 4 reality show is facing mounting opposition from residents over plans to convert a three-bed terraced house in Archers Road into an eight-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO).
Reform lead softens in Eastleigh as Green support reaches record level
New constituency-level polling suggests Reform UK would narrowly win the Eastleigh parliamentary seat if a general election were held today, while support for the Green Party has reached its highest level on record.
Reform UK Archives | Eastleigh News
As counting begins, Reform UK is predicted to make gains in Eastleigh as counting begins, but Lib Dems to retain control of borough and make a clean sweep of Eastleigh’s county divisions. Read More >>
How much SEND funding will Eastleigh get? MP asks minister
Georgia Gould (L) and Liz Jarvis (R) pic: crown copyright CC BY 3.0 Eastleigh MP Liz Jarvis has asked a government minister how much of a new £200 million special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) training programme will actually reach schools and early years providers in Eastleigh.
Eastleigh average £118 council tax rise despite ‘real-terms cut’ claim
Band D council tax bills will rise by around five per cent in 2026–27, with increases varying between parishes. pic:EBC Council tax bills across Eastleigh are set to rise by about five per cent this year — faster than both inflation and wage growth — despite claims by Eastleigh Borough Council that it has delivered another real-terms tax cut. The average Band D council tax bill in the borough will rise from about £2,235 to around £2,353 in 2026–27, an increase of roughly £118 a year.
What’s on at the Vue this Christmas in Eastleigh?
Characters from The Muppet Christmas Carol and Home Alone feature among the festive films showing at Vue Eastleigh this Christmas. Images supplied by Vue Christmas is just around the corner and Vue Eastleigh is getting into the festive spirit by bringing a selection of classic films back to the big screen this December. Kicking things off is The Muppet Christmas Carol, starring Michael Caine as the miserable old miser Ebenezer Scrooge.
Police appeal after hotel theft and ATM fraud in Chandler's Ford
Pic: Hampshire Constabulary Police have released CCTV images of two men they would like to speak to in connection with a reported theft and subsequent fraud in Chandler’s Ford. The incident was reported to have taken place at about 9.30am on Wednesday, 3 December, at the Village Hotel on Bournemouth Road. Officers say a wallet was stolen from a bag inside the hotel. A short time later, the man suspected of taking the wallet was accompanied by a second man.
Eastleigh College opens new dental suite with industry event
Eastleigh College has marked the opening of a new dental suite with an industry event bringing together dental professionals, educators and NHS representatives. The event coincided with the ribbon cutting of the new facility, which the college said will give students greater access to hands-on training alongside their academic studies. Representatives from across the dental sector attended to discuss workforce skills, education pathways and collaboration between training providers and employers.
Lib Dems hold Hiltingbury East in parish by-election as Reform halves Conservative vote
The Liberal Democrats have held the Hiltingbury East seat on Chandler’s Ford Parish Council by an increased margin after a by-election in which the Conservative share of the vote was effectively halved following the entry of Reform UK. Dave Walker was elected with 787 votes, taking 62.7 per cent of the vote. Reform UK candidate Clare Fawcett finished second with 240 votes (19.1 per cent), while Conservative candidate Shelagh Lee polled 229 votes (18.2 per cent).
Councillors reject 245-home Fair Oak plan despite recommendation to approve
Councillors have refused permission for a 245-home scheme south of Mortimers Lane in Fair Oak despite advice from planning officers to approve it at a packed meeting on Wednesday night.. More than 120 residents filled the Woodlands Community Centre, with a peaceful protest held outside before the meeting began. The application, by Bloor Homes, had drawn 215 objections during consultation. The Bloor Homes application covers 245 houses on land south of Mortimers Lane.
Mayoral election for Hampshire and Solent delayed until 2028
pic: electoral commission The government plans to delay the first mayoral election for Hampshire and the Solent from 2026 to 2028 it has been reported. Hampshire County Council leader Nick Adams-King told the BBC he had been reassured that devolution for the region will still begin next year, despite the postponement. He said the delay was “massively disappointing” but added that he had been told the creation of the new combined authority would not be affected.
Reform UK selects Chris Parry for Hampshire and Solent mayoral race
Chris Parry: “I’m just an ordinary person” pic Reform UK Reform UK has named Chris Parry as its candidate for the Hampshire and Solent mayoral contest, the BBC has reported. Parry had a distinguished naval career, seeing active service in the Falklands and serving for more than 30 years before retiring with the rank of rear admiral. He attended Portsmouth Grammar School and graduated from Jesus College, Oxford.
Greens polling in double digits for first time in Eastleigh
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey with Eastleigh MP Liz Jarvis on a recent visit. The party may need to pedal harder to catch Reform UK in the local polls Pic: LDRS The Green Party is now polling above 10% in Eastleigh constituency for the first time ahead of a general election, according to new MRP data from Electoral Calculus — reflecting a broader national trend under new party leader Zack Polanski.
Fair Oak resident hits out after missed bin complaint 'not upheld'
The council said the items were stuck to the bottom of the bin pic:supplied A Fair Oak man says Eastleigh Borough Council has brushed aside his missed-bin complaint and blamed him for the problem, despite photos he says prove otherwise. The row began on 19 November when his recycling bin was only partly emptied and his glass box was left untouched. He reported it straight away, sent photos and followed every step the council requires.
Horton Heath link road closed today for safety check
Road users faced fresh disruption this morning as Eastleigh Borough Council closed The Avenue, the new 1.2-mile Horton Heath link road, for safety checks. The closure follows delays reported on Allington Lane over the weekend, where contractors applying a surface coating caused hold-ups for drivers. The council confirmed the full closure between Allington Lane roundabout and Chalcroft Way roundabout will run from 9.30am until 4pm today, Wednesday 26 November.
Hiltingbury east parish by-election will go ahead after three candidates are nominated
A three-way contest is now set for Chandler’s Ford Parish Council’s Hiltingbury East ward after the Returning Officer published the official Statement of Persons Nominated. The seat became vacant in July when Liberal Democrat councillor Kurian Abraham lost his position under section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 for failing to attend meetings for six months without permission.
Eastleigh hopes to buck footfall trend with Christmas light switch-on
Town centre bosses will be hoping for a surge in visitors tomorrow when Eastleigh holds its annual Christmas light switch-on. So far this year the council has spent more than £320,000 on consultants brought in to find ways to lift town footfall. The switch-on is often promoted as the busiest day of the year for traders, but recent attendance has been nowhere near the crowds seen before the pandemic. In 2019 the switch-on drew almost 30,000 people into the town centre.
Christmas memorial service at Wessex Vale Crematorium
A local crematorium will hold its annual Christmas carol and memorial service on Thursday 4 December at 6.30pm. The event at Wessex Vale Crematorium, Bubb Lane, Hedge End, is open to anyone who wishes to remember a loved one during the festive period. No advance booking is required, and people living in or visiting the surrounding communities are welcome to attend. The service will include live music from a choir and opportunities for quiet reflection.
Remembrance Sunday observed across Eastleigh borough
At 11am today, Eastleigh joined the rest of the country in the annual act of national remembrance, marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War. In Chandler’s Ford, residents gathered at the war memorial to pay their respects during the two-minute silence and wreath-laying ceremony. The civic service was led by the Rev Duncan Hollands, with the names of the fallen read aloud by Peggy Marten MBE. At 11 o’clock, flags were lowered as the silence was observed.
Care home approved beside Hampshire’s biggest waste plant and under airport flight path
Eastleigh councillors have unanimously approved plans for a 70-bed care home on Chickenhall Lane — a site bordered by two main roads, an industrial estate and directly beneath Southampton Airport’s flight path, beside the future location of Hampshire’s biggest waste-recycling plant and adjacent to a truck refuelling station and an undertakers.
Parish council by-election called for Hiltingbury East
An election has now been formally called for Chandler’s Ford Parish Council’s Hiltingbury East ward after the required ten voter signatures were submitted to the Returning Officer. The vacancy arose when Liberal Democrat councillor Kurian Abraham ceased to be a member on 21 July under section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972, which disqualifies councillors who fail to attend meetings for six months without permission.
Road closures for Eastleigh Remembrance Parade and services across the borough this weekend
A number of roads in Eastleigh town centre will be closed on Sunday for the annual Remembrance Parade and Service, which this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
Hendy Group celebrates 115th anniversary of becoming Ford’s first British retailer
Next week, Eastleigh based Hendy Group, one of the UK’s largest independent family-run dealer groups, is celebrating a remarkable anniversary: representing Ford Motor Company in Britain for 115 years.
Council blows £308k on town centre consultation while footfall slumps 14%
Almost a third of Eastleigh Borough Council’s £1 million Levelling Up grant has been spent on a consultation led by fashion designer Wayne Hemingway, yet town centre footfall has fallen by 14 per cent in the past year and the report’s findings largely repeat those published by the council in 2010 and 2014. The council received the money last September from the government’s Shared Prosperity Fund to help revitalise Eastleigh town centre.
Police appeal after £200 of steak stolen from Hedge End Co-op
Pic. Hampshire Constabulary Police have issued an image of a man they would like to speak to following a reported theft from the Co-op store in Lower Northam Road, Hedge End. The incident happened between 1.05pm and 1.15pm on Friday 29 August, when around £200 worth of steak and other items were stolen. Officers would like to identify and speak to the man pictured as they believe he may have information that could assist their investigation.
Chandler’s Ford estate agency named best in the UK
Chandler’s Ford-based estate agency Sparks Ellison has been named the best estate agent in the United Kingdom at the 2025 EA Masters National Estate Agency Awards — the industry’s most prestigious event, held yesterday in London.
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