BOLTON Against the Bedroom Tax, would like to bring to your readers' attention the plight of Rough Sleepers at Christmas time

In October we met Cllr Nick Peel along with Homeless Aid Uk, who do sterling work feeding the homeless in Bolton.

It was agreed by Cllr Peel that all groups concerned about the homeless would meet up to discuss ways of tacking rough sleeping.

A meeting was called, but BABT was told prior to this meeting that we would not be invited.

What is important to us is that people should not be sleeping on the streets over the festive period and beyond.

We believe that now 13 rough sleepers have been found a temporary roof over their heads, during the Christmas period, this is mainly due to the actions of Homeless Aid UK.

When one considers that a few months ago the Council stated that Bolton had only eight rough sleepers, a figure that was and is, contested by Bolton against the bedroom tax, and Homeless Aid UK, we believe it is nearer 40. The fact that already 13 will be off our streets at Christmas tells its own story of the validity of the figure of eight rough sleepers.

BABT have held two town centre rallies about homelessness, one in August, and the last one on Saturday December 2.

We will continue to highlight the plight of our town's homeless, and demand action from our local authority.

At a time when many of us will be gathering together with our families to celebrate Christmas, please spare a thought for those unfortunates who will face sleeping rough on the streets.

We say in 2017 almost 2018, in what is the world's sixth richest nation no one should have to sleep on our streets — it is a failure of society.

BABT would like to wish all readers all the best over the festive period.

Alan Johnson