ST HELENS was among eight local authorities in the North West that saw its population decrease between 2001 and 2011, according to census figures published this week.

Releasing the first results from the 2011 Census, The Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that the population was 175,300 on the March 27 last year, a fall of 0.8per cent since 2001 when 176,800 lived in the borough.

The decline is set against a rise across the region, with the population in the North West on census day standing at 7.1 million, an increase of 4 per cent from 2001, when it was 6.7 million. Across all of England and Wales, 17 local authorities decreased in population, with St Helens and neighbouring Knowsley (where population decreased by 3.5per cent to 145,900) among them.

Perhaps the most striking comparisons are with neighbouring boroughs of Wigan and Warrington, which both had significant growth.

Wigan borough’s population rose by 5.4per cent to 317,800, while Warrington increased by 5.8 per cent to 202,200. In Liverpool the population also rose by 5.5per cent to 466,400.

Jil Matheson, national statistician, said: "The 2011 Census has been a resounding success and I am proud of the incredible effort that has been put in.

“It is a rich source of information about the population and its characteristics. Across England and Wales around 19 out of 20 people responded and we have excellent statistical methods for ensuring we have a complete estimate of the whole population.

“These statistics will provide valuable information for planners, policy-makers and the public for years to come.”

Manchester was the largest authority in the North West by population with 503,100 people, an increase of 80,400 (19 per cent) between 2001 and 2011.