THOSE people who fail to send in their census forms this weekend could cost the town thousands of pounds, according to council chief executive Steven Broomhead.

The census is used to formulate population statistics which then have a bearing on everything from the provision of health services to pensions.

The population of Warrington has grown by around 10,000 since 1991 and if this increased is not adequately reflected in the census figures, funding and services could be left short.

Mr Broomhead said: "I want to encourage people to complete the forms and it is important for two reasons.

"Firstly, It will assist the Government in working with the council to plan services.

"And secondly, for everyone who is not listed, it could potentially cost up to £4,000. The way in which resources are generated for key services are based on population."

And Royal Mail says it is geared up for the rush on Sunday as millions of people across the country post their census forms.

Though the spokesman was unable to confirm whether extra collections would take place on Sunday, April 29, which is officially census day, she added: "We are geared up for it and are expecting a lot of extra mail.

"Sunday collections vary from area to area and that is one thing we will have taken in to account."