Covering an area of 105 square miles, York has over 181,000 residents.

The population of the city is growing, increasing by just over nine per cent between 1991 and 2001. It is projected to increase another eight per cent by 2001.

There are some 20,000 students in York, eight per cent of the population is 75 or over and life expectancy for men is 76 and 81 for women.

The city we live in today faces a number of challenges. The rising population, together with rapid economic growth, and a decrease in the average number of people per household, is placing pressure on housing.

Finding properties for people on low income or affordable housing is particularly in short supply, while house prices are well above the regional average.

Traffic congestion is the biggest single cause of pollution in York. The ability of people to get around the city is a significant problem.

York is a safe city, relatively free from crime and violence. However, concern is rising about the levels of antisocial behaviour in some communities.

It is fairly affluent with unemployment standing at just 1.9 per cent, compared with a national average of 3.3 per cent.

York continues to be a popular tourist destination with visitors to the city making a vital contribution to the local economy.

In health, York compares well with other cities, the challenge being to ensure these statistics are maintained while improving life for those York residents who are not so fortunate.

But a recent update of Seebohm Rowntree's classic study on poverty found that more than 20 per cent of York's residents could be officially classed as poor.

Ensuring that widening social divisions are closed is one of the key areas of the Without Walls vision for York.

Overall, York is a fairly affluent city. Keeping it that way for generations to come is Without Walls' priority.

Updated: 12:34 Thursday, July 22, 2004