The Metropolitan Borough of Trafford was created in 1974 as part of a reorganisation of local government in England and Wales. The new area took in the towns of Altrincham, Sale, and Stretford, the Urban Districts of Bowdon, Hale and Urmston and part of the Bucklow Rural District. The new Trafford Council took over the operation of social services in the borough, including several children's homes previously run by the Cheshire County Council and Manchester City Council.