Post by Kev on Sept 10, 2004 6:39:12 GMT -5
Liverpool's revival as a major city has taken another step after it was revealed its population has increased for the first time since the 1930s.
The rise follows years of decline as its economic fortunes took a downturn during the 20th century.
In the 1970s, an average of 10,000 people were leaving the city each year.
Despite the rise being less than 200, the city council says it is evidence Liverpool - with a population of 441,856 - is on the up again.
The government's mid-year estimate for 2003 shows the city's population has risen by 182 since the previous year while, in 2001, the figure was 441,830.
With all the major developments taking place in the city, Liverpool is increasingly seen as a very desirable place in which to live
Coun Mike Storey
"For three years running we have had roughly the same level of population," said Councillor Mike Storey, city council leader.
"It is clear that, after decades of decline, Liverpool's population figure is stabilising.
"And it is very encouraging that there has been an increase even if it is a couple of hundred.
"Although this appears to be a very small rise it has to be put in the context of the previous decade, when we lost 10,000 people, or even the 1970s when we were losing on average 10,000 people a year.
"It is a remarkable turnaround.
"With all the major developments taking place in the city, Liverpool is increasingly seen as a very desirable place in which to live.
"I am sure that we will attract more and more people and that people will want to stay here."
The number of people living in the city centre has also quadrupled in recent years.
Liverpool's highest recorded population was 867,000 in 1937 - still almost twice the current level.
The decline has been attributed to a variety of factors, notably the city's significant economic decline from its pre-war heyday.
Large numbers of Liverpudlians were also displaced when large areas of slum housing were demolished and they went to live in new towns, such as Winsford, in Cheshire, and Skelmersdale, in Lancashire.
Recently the city has been revived and it won the competition to be the European Capital of Culture in 2008, beating Birmingham and Newcastle.
The rise follows years of decline as its economic fortunes took a downturn during the 20th century.
In the 1970s, an average of 10,000 people were leaving the city each year.
Despite the rise being less than 200, the city council says it is evidence Liverpool - with a population of 441,856 - is on the up again.
The government's mid-year estimate for 2003 shows the city's population has risen by 182 since the previous year while, in 2001, the figure was 441,830.
With all the major developments taking place in the city, Liverpool is increasingly seen as a very desirable place in which to live
Coun Mike Storey
"For three years running we have had roughly the same level of population," said Councillor Mike Storey, city council leader.
"It is clear that, after decades of decline, Liverpool's population figure is stabilising.
"And it is very encouraging that there has been an increase even if it is a couple of hundred.
"Although this appears to be a very small rise it has to be put in the context of the previous decade, when we lost 10,000 people, or even the 1970s when we were losing on average 10,000 people a year.
"It is a remarkable turnaround.
"With all the major developments taking place in the city, Liverpool is increasingly seen as a very desirable place in which to live.
"I am sure that we will attract more and more people and that people will want to stay here."
The number of people living in the city centre has also quadrupled in recent years.
Liverpool's highest recorded population was 867,000 in 1937 - still almost twice the current level.
The decline has been attributed to a variety of factors, notably the city's significant economic decline from its pre-war heyday.
Large numbers of Liverpudlians were also displaced when large areas of slum housing were demolished and they went to live in new towns, such as Winsford, in Cheshire, and Skelmersdale, in Lancashire.
Recently the city has been revived and it won the competition to be the European Capital of Culture in 2008, beating Birmingham and Newcastle.
