RESIDENTS in some parts of Bolton have snubbed the census -- with as many as 60 per cent not returning their forms and now facing the threat of large fines.

Some areas, including Breightmet, have fared badly, with poor return rates of just 40 per cent.

Census officials are now swooping on residents in a bid to collect the thousands of unposted forms.

Those who refuse to fill them in can expect a fine of up to £1,000.

Despite the low figure, the situation across the borough is better than the national average, with more than 60 per cent of forms completed and sent back. Some districts, such as Horwich, have had an excellent return rate of 80 per cent.

To deal with the problems in the poor response areas, 300 enumerators will take to Bolton's streets.

John McKenzie, Census Area Manager for Bolton, said: "Overall we have a terrific rate of return. Our target was always to get 70 per cent of forms back before the end of May, but in some areas we have already surpassed that.

"While some areas are not as good as others, there was a massive influx of forms at the end of last week and we're hoping that will continue."

Census forms should have been filled in on April 29. Problems with sending out the documents, however, meant many people did not receive one in time.

According to Mr McKenzie, only a handful of people had refused point blank to fill in the census.

Yet dozens of Bolton residents are believed to be calling the national census telephone helpline for help on completing the form.

Mr McKenzie said: "Overall, it's been very positive and there have only been very slight problems.

"The number of forms we have received back have certainly exceeded our expectations."

Extra postmen had to be drafted into Bolton to cope with the form returns. It is the first time people have been expected to post back the document rather than have it collected by enumerators.

It took three years planning to make sure the census was carried out without disruption to local services.

Government funding to Bolton Council over the next 10 years will be based on the number of residents officially recorded in the census.