The census is just weeks away and now, for the first time, everyone in Cheshire East can fill it in online.
The census, which collects information about the population, takes place every 10 years and this year it will take place on Sunday, March 27th.
Once the census has been processed in Manchester it will be fascinating to take a look at the results and compare them with 2001 when the population of Alderley Edge was 4,808, of which 2,295 were male and 2,513 were female.
In 2001 36.93% of 16 to 74 year olds in the village were in full time employment; 10.23% worked part time, 14.65% were self-employed, 19.28% were retired, 7.55% looked after the home/family and 1.68% were unemployed.
Liam O'Connor, Cheshire area manager for the 2011 Census, said: "In 2011, for the first time in its 210 year history everyone can go online to complete their census in just a few clicks. It's safe, secure and completely confidential.
"The information received from the census goes towards the planning and funding of future local services, such as schools, hospitals, roads and emergency services."
The traditional paper method of completing the census is also available. It will arrive in the post in March and those who wish to fill theirs in online simply have to key-in a code, which will be on the front page of their paper form.
Filling in a census is a legal requirement for everyone living in the UK and not filling one in can result in a fine of up to £1000.
The census takes, on average, 10 minutes per person to complete and less online, with most questions completed by simply clicking or ticking a box. There is help available to those who have a visual or hearing impairment or whose first language is not English. There is also a large-print format of the census.
Cheshire East Councillor David Brown, Cabinet member with responsibility for performance and capacity, said: "The census is vital in order to establish the current population, potential growth and, for this authority, identify what services we may need to provide in the future. This is about working together to improve community life.
"This year's census will be a milestone in its history – the very first time everyone, young and old, can get onto the internet and fill in their Census at their own convenience."
Cheshire East Council Chief Executive Erika Wenzel added: "Lots of hard work has gone into ensuring this year's census runs as smoothly as possible here in Cheshire East. Local people are involved too – approximately 200, temporary jobs have been created by the census. Plus, the results of the census will impact directly on what grants we receive from the government. This will, in turn, allow us to provide essential services to benefit the community for many years to come."
More information is available at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/census.
