NEW figures revealed by the National Records of Scotland (NRS) have shown that the Three Towns, compared to the rest of Scotland, has responded to the census at a lower rate.

While NRS latest figures show that 80 per cent of households across Scotland have completed the census, it is one of two North Ayrshire areas which sits below this national average.

Only 77 per cent of those residing in the Three Towns have completed the census, while in the nearby Irvine area, this figure is just slightly higher - currently sitting at 79 per cent.

Householders across Scotland have a legal responsibility to fill in the census by the extended deadline at the end of May and failure to do so could result in prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

National Records of Scotland (NRS) is appealing to people throughout North Ayrshire to make sure their voices are heard and their needs captured.

Paul Lowe, NRS chief executive, said: “For those who have yet to complete the census, I would urge you to act now. The census is an important way of understanding how the population and its needs are changing over time.”

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