THE increase in Colchester’s population shows growth in the borough is outstripping the rest of the country, according to an economics expert.

Professor Eric Smith, deputy head of Economics at the University of Essex, also warned rapid growth could put a strain on public services such as schools and hospitals.

Prof Smith, who also heads up think tank Insight East, said: “The east, and most especially Colchester, is far outstripping the rest of the country in terms of growth.

“It wouldn’t take a university professor to see there has been a lot of development in Colchester in terms of housing.”

Colchester is the second largest borough in the county with 173,074 residents, compared to 155,796 people living in the town in 2001.

“We must be guarded, though, as growth is never without its difficulties and it will indeed put a strain on public services such as schools and doctors.”

FOR AN IN DEPTH LOOK AT THE CENSUS FIGURES, READ WEDNESDAY'S GAZETTE