CAMPAIGNERS in Bolton opposing the “bedroom tax” are to sleep rough to raise awareness of homelessness.

The planned protest will take place over the weekend of the Bolton Food and Drink Festival — but council bosses say they have worked with the campaigners to ensure there is no disruption.

An estimated 50 mass “sleep outs” will take place across the UK on Saturday, August 24, with 1,300 people due to take part.

The idea followed a brainstorming session by people opposed to the government’s under-occupancy charge, which reduces housing benefit for people living in social housing considered too big for their needs.

Mum Jacqueline Galloway, aged 42, of The Pungle, Westhoughton, was one of the campaigners who came up with the idea. She helped it gain momentum through the use of social networking sites like Facebook.

She said: “We have had interest from many countries worldwide.

“Comments are being left from places like Texas and Florida and these figures are increasing by the minute.

“Everybody is welcome to this event, whether it be just be for an hour for a chat or come stay for the whole night.

“Our aim is to raise awareness among the people of Bolton of those who are suffering because of this dreadful bedroom tax.”

The government says reform is needed to reduce housing waiting lists and said it has trebled the amount of cash it gives to Bolton in emergency funding for people who are struggling to pay their rent or tax.

The Bolton sleepout takes place in the square next to the Octagon Theatre and Lever Chambers and starts at 7pm. Bolton Food and Drink Festival will be taking place from Friday, August 23, to Monday, August 26, with most of the stalls being set up in nearby Victoria Square.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: “We have been in contact with Ms Galloway about her demonstration and we can confirm it won’t impact on the Food and Drink Festival.

“The demonstration is at night and in a different part of the town centre to the festival activities.”