The 2011 Census statistics announcement this week had greater significance to Trafford than usual. The company responsible for the census collation, UK Data Capture Ltd, ran its complex collation operation from a base at Trafford Park, Europe's largest industrial park.

With support from Trafford Council, the company was able to set up the operation, recruit over 1500 employees - around 500 of whom were long term unemployed people - and ensure the varying practicalities of supporting the staff were in place.

Stephen Meyler, Managing Director of UK Data Capture Limited, said: "We chose Trafford Park as it is a fantastic location for businesses with a ready access to a good labour force, which we drew in the main from Trafford, Salford and the City of Manchester. We had great support from Trafford Council and other partners in the Greater Manchester region, and without them could not have achieved the success we did."

Leader of Trafford Council, Cllr Matt Colledge said: "Trafford Park is one of the borough's greatest assests, welcoming thousands of workers every day and fuelling our economic growth. I am delighted that the Park provided the perfect hub for UK Data Capture Ltd and the Census operation, and would encourage other businesses to consider the benefits of locating in our borough."

The Census operation in Trafford saw 25 million Census paper questionnaires and around four million Internet returns processed.

Results revealed this week show that Trafford's population is now estimated to be around 226,600. This is an increase of 7.8 per cent, or 16,400 people, on the 2001 Census. It is also 9,300 higher than the most recent Office for National Statistics population estimate for Trafford, for 2010.

The number of households in Trafford has increased by 5,500, from 89,000 to 94,500.

To find out more about the results of the 2011 Census in Trafford, visit www.infotrafford.org.uk/census2011