BOLTON has a “serious problem with homelessness” according to two men who were moved on from a town centre site this morning.

Steven Higgins and Robert Durbin, both from Scotland, were ordered to leave the former Odeon cinema site in Ashburner Street by council staff and Police Community Support Officers.

Bolton Council said it was contacted by the police who wanted to secure the site.

The authority also said it has attempted to find solutions for both men and is currently working to locate appropriate accommodation. 

But the homeless pair, who said they have been living in a tent on the land for the past two months with their dog Homer, said they have once again been left with nowhere to go.

The site has been earmarked for a potential new hotel which the council may build as part of its academic village plan.

Mr Higgins, from Fife, said: “We just get chucked from pillar to post wherever we go — there is no support for us.

“Where are we supposed to go now? They just kick us off and then move on.”

The 37-year-old said he is a former member of the armed forces and moved to Bolton to support his mother who was unwell.

He was then left with a 3-bedroom house that he couldn’t afford and ended up in the Muamba House homeless centre — but has been sleeping rough since September.

He added: “We have got a tent, but they have told us we can’t put it up anywhere in Bolton, so what are we supposed to do?

“The weather is a bit nicer today — but can you imagine what it has been like to be living on the streets over the past few months?”

“It is not just physical health — I have had several mental breakdowns and it doesn’t feel like anyone cares — it just destroys you.”

Mr Durbin, aged 44, from Alloa, became homeless after an issue with his benefit payments, he said: “We are lucky that we have met each other on the streets — we help each other to keep going.

“There is a serious problem with homelessness in Bolton and it needs to be addressed.

“We have been moved on again today and yet again there are no solutions being offered by the authorities, they just want to sweep it under the rug.

“We get the impression that those in charge think that if people can’t see us then there isn’t a problem there to be addressed.”

The two men did thank the people of Bolton, who they said have helped to keep them both alive through the tough winter months.

Mr Durbin said: “There have been some very generous people in Bolton who have given us food and warm clothing.

“If it wasn’t for them then I don’t think we would be here today.”

A council spokesman said: “Both individuals are being given options by the council, and they have been and are continuing to be supported by us.

“We work with a range of partners to offer a range of advice, support, and interventions, including accommodation.

“We were asked to secure this site by the police.”