THE population of Waltham Forest has grown by 16 per cent in the last 10 years, according to the latest census figures.


There are now 258,000 people living in the borough, compared to 222,000 in 2001.
 

There is a 50-50 split of men and women, with 51,000 children aged 14 or under.
 

The sharp rise in population has been blamed for a severe shortage of school places.