WANSTEAD'S population has grown by just 21 people over the last ten years, according to latest figures.

The 2011 census shows that in the six wards covering the west of Redbridge, Wanstead has experienced the smallest increase in population since 2001, with a 0.2% rise.

Church End ward has experienced the largest increase, with a rise of 15.2 per cent from 9,993 to 11,516.

Cllr Richard Hoskins said there has been significant development in the ward, compared to Wanstead which is a conservation area, with around a fifth of properties built in the last 10 years.

He said: "The upside is that it has made George Lane a very popular shopping area, but the downside is the pressure it puts on local services."

The ward in Redbridge which has seen the largest increase in population is Clementswood, which covers Ilford town centre.

The population has increased from 11,294 people in 2010 to 14,257 in 2011, which is an increase of 30 per cent.

Redbridge as a whole has seen a rise of 17 per cent, compared to 18 per cent in neighbouring Waltham Forest and 14 per cent across London.