200,000 of us here in 2028? (From Warrington Guardian)

200,000 of us here in 2028?

WARRINGTON'S population is set to balloon by ten per cent over the next 25 years.

Latest figures show that population is projected to rise in the town by 10 per cent in the next 25 years, which could take the number of residents to more than 200,000.

It puts the borough among those areas in the north west set to expand the most by 2028.

The figure is well above the average for the region, which is projected to have a population of 7.1 million in 25 years' time.

The figures, published by the Office for National Statistics, are based on estimates from mid-2003 and replace those published in 1996.

The new figures are again likely to increase concerns about how the town will cope with increased demand for services, especially in relation to the already packed transport links and housing.

l What does this mean for the people of Warrington? See Thursday's Guardian.