Plans have been drafted to start the count for the 2011 census early in Cambridge, to ensure students who leave for the unusually long holidays aren’t missed.

The count was due to take place on March 27th, during the Easter holidays. To make sure that the students aren't left out of the census, a special team of 76 enumerators has been drafted in to visit colleges and gather student details from the middle of February.

Ralph While-Paddon, the Cambridge census area manager said, “it is crucial that students are enumerated before they go on their Easter break”. The early count will be taking place at about seven other Universities who have similar problems with their holiday dates. The census questionnaire is meant to be filled out with information that is true on census day, and students will be registered at their term-time address.

The mayor of Cambridge Sheila Stuart, stressed the importance of the information gathered, “the 2011 census is an important opportunity to make sure public services can be designed to meet the needs of the city’s residents".

Anyone who has not provided their information by the deadline of April 6th will get a visit from the census team, however not filling out the form is a criminal offence and can carry a fine of up to 1,000 pounds.