It has been announced that Eastleigh is among the best places to live and it was listed eighth by looking at the quality of the schools, crime rate, pollution levels, job prospects, pupils-per-class ratio and access to well-rated GPs.

It features many recreation areas, schools, shops and eateries.

Cllr Paul Bicknell, deputy council leader and cabinet member for regeneration (north), said: “We always said Eastleigh is a great place to live and this report confirms it. We have been investing in our green spaces, public open spaces and people like that. Also businesses see Eastleigh as an attractive place to invest as you get a good connectivity with the airport and the railway.”

Cllr Bicknell also pointed a low crime level as one of the reasons that made Eastleigh reach the top ten.

And added: “We will continue to invest in our public spaces and sport.”

As previously reported, a £25 million new leisure centre opened its door to Eastleigh residents last year providing them with a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym, ballet studio, squash courts and a soft play area.