Burnley's population decline set to continue

3:30pm Thursday 18th September 2008 in Burnley

‘STAY’: Gordon Birtwistle ‘STAY’: Gordon Birtwistle

POPULATION levels are continuing to fall in Burnley – and could do so for the next decade according to economists.

Last year the Lancashire Telegraph reported how the borough had one of the largest emigrant rates in the UK, with the population level dropping by two per cent from 2001 to 2006.

It is expected that the population could fall by about 7,000 from its current level of 88,200 by the Burnley Snapshot 2008.

The snapshot survey has been drawn up by the borough council’s regeneration and economic development unit and is the first of it kind for three years.

Council leader Gordon Birtwistle said there is a problem with the number of young people leaving the borough.

He said: “We need them to stay because they are our future.”

Other findings show that crime levels are falling, as are the percentage of unfit homes in Burnley and Padiham, although household wages are lower than the national average.

For instance the number of new businesses registered between 2002 and 2006 was significantly higher in Burnley (13.94 per cent) than the North West (9.07 per cent).

Unemployment varies significantly from 9.4 per cent in Daneshouse and Stoneyholme to 0.7 per cent in Cliviger.

The average weekly wage in Burnley is £308.50 – nearly 20 per cent lower than the national average and three-quarters of Burnley’s wards have a household income below the Lancashire average.

Burnley is the 21st most deprived area in the country, with life expectancy lower than the rest of the country.

All crime, except burglary, has fallen in the borough over the past three years, although many rates remain higher in Burnley than the rest of Lancashire and the UK.

Comments (6)

5:46pm Thu 18 Sep 08

Kevin, Colne says...

The trend of the exodus from Burnley shows little sign of changing any day soon. For the local authority this is grim news as some elements of funding is based in part on population size, so the financial ramifications for the council could be quite profound.

The worry is that those who are leaving are the ones that are either the most highly skilled or of a higher social class, or possibly both and thus the social composition of the town becomes distorted.

Burnley is between a rock and hard place with no ready solution in sight, although there is no doubt in my mind that the Council is working hard to try and address these issues; and with some success.

Finally, let me tell you my story about Burnley.

In my job I visit businesses and orgnaisations and from time to time travel beyond the confines of the North West. When meeting bosses of firms in other parts of the country the conversation often includes a question about where have I travelled from?

"Colne", I say.

Then I see them look puzzled, so I have a choice. I can say "It's near Burnley", or I can tell them "It's not far from Skipton".

The responses to each of these two answers is nearly always the same.

I wonder if you can guess what it is?
The trend of the exodus from Burnley shows little sign of changing any day soon. For the local authority this is grim news as some elements of funding is based in part on population size, so the financial ramifications for the council could be quite profound. The worry is that those who are leaving are the ones that are either the most highly skilled or of a higher social class, or possibly both and thus the social composition of the town becomes distorted. Burnley is between a rock and hard place with no ready solution in sight, although there is no doubt in my mind that the Council is working hard to try and address these issues; and with some success. Finally, let me tell you my story about Burnley. In my job I visit businesses and orgnaisations and from time to time travel beyond the confines of the North West. When meeting bosses of firms in other parts of the country the conversation often includes a question about where have I travelled from? "Colne", I say. Then I see them look puzzled, so I have a choice. I can say "It's near Burnley", or I can tell them "It's not far from Skipton". The responses to each of these two answers is nearly always the same. I wonder if you can guess what it is? Kevin, Colne

8:24pm Thu 18 Sep 08

loder says...

And to think me and my family were talking about moving back to Burnley. God there's no chance now.
GED.
And to think me and my family were talking about moving back to Burnley. God there's no chance now. GED. loder

8:54pm Thu 18 Sep 08

ganja man says...

Go on "Kevin, Colne" tell us the answer as some of us have still not worked it out.

Ta, mate
Go on "Kevin, Colne" tell us the answer as some of us have still not worked it out. Ta, mate ganja man

9:04pm Mon 22 Sep 08

RAyzer says...

just another lie!!!underarm tactic in bringing more OUTSIDERS in!!!
just another lie!!!underarm tactic in bringing more OUTSIDERS in!!! RAyzer

12:25pm Tue 23 Sep 08

mattfromburnley says...

It makes me lol to see comments like the ones published and it always makes me lol the way that people blame their own uninteresting unsatisfying outlook on life, on a place that happens to be Burnley. If you look into the reasons why people leave 99% of people moving to different countries is because of the weather!! The majority of people leaving Burnley is because the grass is always greener. There is nothing wrong with that!! but i have done a fair stint of travelling and what people tend to forget is that Burnley is home to a majority of the soundest down to earth commonsense people this country has seen. And I have spoken to people who have left and do in fact miss the place and the people which says alot. Alright we are going through a transitional period of bad press but credit due to the people who are trying there damdest to improve the area. So like I said if you dont wont to be here that fine bye bye this will then leave an amount of people who actually care about were they live and want to be here this will no doubt have positive effects on the area. Burnley will continue to move forward with or without these people. Bring on Dubai big boys for clarets take over!!!!
It makes me lol to see comments like the ones published and it always makes me lol the way that people blame their own uninteresting unsatisfying outlook on life, on a place that happens to be Burnley. If you look into the reasons why people leave 99% of people moving to different countries is because of the weather!! The majority of people leaving Burnley is because the grass is always greener. There is nothing wrong with that!! but i have done a fair stint of travelling and what people tend to forget is that Burnley is home to a majority of the soundest down to earth commonsense people this country has seen. And I have spoken to people who have left and do in fact miss the place and the people which says alot. Alright we are going through a transitional period of bad press but credit due to the people who are trying there damdest to improve the area. So like I said if you dont wont to be here that fine bye bye this will then leave an amount of people who actually care about were they live and want to be here this will no doubt have positive effects on the area. Burnley will continue to move forward with or without these people. Bring on Dubai big boys for clarets take over!!!! mattfromburnley

7:08pm Fri 19 Aug 11

kevinj says...

The average wage in Burnley is £308 per week who are they including in this "average" Elton John? LOL
The average wage in Burnley is £308 per week who are they including in this "average" Elton John? LOL kevinj
Post a comment

Remember you are personally responsible for what you post on this site and must abide by our site terms. Do not post anything that is false, abusive or malicious. If you wish to complain, please use the ‘report this post’ link.

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree