BOLTON could be sitting on a ticking time bomb because of savage cuts, the town’s carers have warned.

Thousands of people in the borough provide round-the-clock care for poorly loved-ones — saving the public purse around £420 million each year in Bolton alone.

But they warn that the burden could become too great if funding for emotional and practical support is pulled.

Council cuts are making eligibility for care packages stricter and the change to personal tax allowance may affect people’s entitlement for the carers allowance.

Bolton Carers Support, a local charity which has been helping carers in Bolton for 17 years, has had its funding reduced by around a third by Bolton Council — £39,000.

A total of £6.7 million is being axed from the council’s adult services budget next year.

The authority must save £60 million from its total budget over the next two years.

There are more than 28,000 residents in Bolton who identify themselves as carers, and there are many more who carry out the role.

Carers UK, a national charity for carers, estimates the average carer saves the economy more than £15,000 a year.

Jim Swift, aged 64, of Hough Fold Way, Harwood, looks after his wife, Jan, aged 66, who has Alzheimer’s.

He said: “It is tiring, mentally and physically, but I love her so I do it. It would break my heart to see her go into a home.

“There is not enough support for carers and they need every bit of help they can get, physically, financially and emotionally.”

Mr Swift has help to care for his wife and is supported by Admiral Nurses and dementia groups. He is set to lose his carer’s allowance when he turns 65 in May, because the rules state he cannot receive it on top of his pension.

Mr Swift added: “Everyone says we are doing a wonderful job but it’s not such a wonderful job to escape the cuts.”

Sally Cooper, of Hunger Hill, is a carer looking after her husband, Ian, who is a part-time wheelchair user and has a heart condition, both their mums who have dementia and Alzheimer’s, and other family members.

The 41-year-old mum-of-two works 16 hours a week as a care assistant and does many more hours with relatives.

She is also helped by Bolton Carers Support.

Mrs Cooper said: “It is very difficult, I am pulled in all directions.

“There is not enough recognition for carers or enough money put into supporting them.

“I don’t know what income or care package we will now have because of the budget and cuts.

“I’d like to sit down with David Cameron and Nick Clegg and make them see reality.

“It is a timebomb waiting to explode.”

Ayleen Benischke, of Heaton, is a full-time carer, looking after her 22- year-old daughter.

The 50-year-old said: “We don’t know about our care package and Bolton Carers Support is a lifeline, it’s so important for carers to get a break and have someone to talk to.”

Michelle Clarke, chief officer at Bolton Carers Support, says Bolton Council has been supportive but the charity will now be doing less for carers due to cuts.

She added: “Carers are the “forgotten army”.

“The carers allowance is £53 a week for a minimum of 35 hours, equivalent to £1.50 an hour.

“Most carers want to look after their loved one and don’t ask for much, but they need proper financial aid and support or their health will end up suffering. “I am worried about the future, they don’t get enough now and it’s going to get worse.”

The charity provides information, support, breaks and training but will be making changes, such as reducing opening times, because of the cuts. Special pamper days to help carers cope could also be facing the axe because of budget reductions.

Stress Relief Days, which have been run by Bolton Care4 Support Group LD (Learning Disabilities) for the past seven years, see people enjoy a variety of treatments from facials, massages, reflexology and Reiki to help ease the stress of being a carer.

Treasurer of group, Brian Kenny, aged 73, from Little Lever, cares for his son, Shaun, who has cerebral palsy. He said: “These pamper days help re-charge the batteries so we can keep on going for the next month. It would cost £120,000 to look after Shaun, who is aged 46. We are doing it for nothing.”

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: “The council and its key strategic partners, such as the NHS and representatives from the voluntary sector, recognise the invaluable support provided by the borough’s carers on a daily basis.

“The care they provide is vital and we will do everything we can to ensure they continue to be well supported. We continue to have a duty to meet the needs of carers, where this is identified through assessment, and will make every effort to work alongside them in partnership with the other agencies involved.”