Temporary accommodation “like Ibiza” for man who slept rough in a tent

He said: “Compared to a wet tent in a forest, my ears full of slugs and being bit by spiders, it’s like Ibiza.”

Daniel slept rough in a tent for “six or seven years,” living in the forest behind bakeries or bridges in Horwich or the back of a supermarket in Farnworth.

Before he was homeless, Daniel worked as an upholsterer for two decades.

He said: “I lost my job, I had a house fire. I lost my dad on Christmas Day about eight or nine years ago and my head went west.

“I chose alcohol.”

Daniel Ashcroft (Image: Newsquest)

He was on the streets and had to learn to survive.

He said: “To eat with no money -  you had no choice.

“I took sandwiches, baked buns, it’s a way of living, otherwise I couldn’t make it out here.”

Now, in temporary accommodation, things have improved slightly.

He said: “I’ve been in and out of different temporary accommodation placements for the last three or four years.

“It’s just a room with a bathroom, just an ensuite room with a bed. You’ve got your own key, your own breathing space, it’s okay.

“It’s good for the homeless, better than the night shelter.

“Because there you have to be out at 10am and can’t go back until 6pm. It’s just a place to put your head down."

“I’ve been depressed for the last eight years, but at least I’m not in a tent anymore, so this is luxury to me.”

Daniel receives some money from benefits.

He said: “I get £100 or £200 a month. But I’m an alcoholic, so that goes on beer.”

He has also had to beg. 

Gary Ashton (Image: Newsquest)

His friend Gary Ashton, 57, lives in the same accommodation. And has a similar history with loss and depression.

He said: “I found my dad hanging when I was 24 years old.

“My little lad died, he was only nine.

"When I split up with my missus after 16 years, I lost my house and found myself homeless.

“I started living on the streets. I got very depressed.”

It isn’t easy being homeless, according to Daniel.

He said: “I’ve always said you put a businessman who’s used to having everything in our situation, take everything away from him, he wouldn’t last 10 minutes.

“My friend and I, we’re street wise, we know how to survive.”

But he wants to improve his situation.

He said: “I’m trying to get back on my feet, but I’m finding it difficult. Once you’re down, it’s hard to get back up.”

If you come across a rough sleeper you can let Bolton Council know in confidence by email on housingoutreachteam@bolton.gov.uk or by telephoning the Housing Options Services on 01204 335900.

You can also report a rough sleeper at www.streetlink.org.uk