THE most recent count of rough sleepers in Bolton found that there were just seven on the town’s streets.

Despite new official Government figures stating that the number of people sleeping rough in Bolton had more than doubled from eight to 17, a more recent Bolton Council count recorded a far lower number.

A council spokesman said that all seven seen on January 1 had previously been offered accommodation but had declined the offer.

They added: “We support Urban Outreach’s Streetlife Project, which acts as a central point for referrals, outreach contact and engagement with rough sleepers.

“They work with our officers and also work closely with community nurses from the Bolton NHS Foundation Trust. The nurses visit rough sleepers with the council’s outreach staff to provide health interventions and housing assistance.

“The council also provide a range of temporary accommodation and operates an out of hours arrangement for offering assessment and assistance via Greater Manchester Police and an emergency duty social worker.”