A FAMILY are threatening to pack their bags and move - to Farnworth Town Hall!

Fed-up mum Joan Holland says she and her four children have been on the homeless register waiting to be rehoused by Bolton Council since November.

At the moment, they claim they are illegally squatting in a house in Piggott Street, Farnworth, because they have nowhere else to go. They face a court battle next month where they could get thrown out of the property.

Joan has now pledged to camp outside Farnworth Town Hall with her four boys every night until the council finds them a home.

Unemployed Joan and her boys Tony, 17; Martin, 16; Aaron, 12 and Andrew, aged seven; have threatened to go with their sleeping bags and flasks of hot drinks because they want immediate action and say this is the only option they have left. Joan said: "We have nowhere else to go. I have been on the register nearly two months. I have children and surely that must make me a priority.

"I don't want to go and sleep outside the town hall but if that is what I have to do to make somebody stand up and listen then I will. I want answers and I want them now."

A council spokesman said they are sympathetic to the family's plight but had to take action because of information they received about anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. But Joan claims all charges have now been dropped.

The spokesman added: "Anyone renting a property from the council has to sign a contract which outlines their rights but also responsibilities to the home and their neighbours.

"Senior managers are reviewing the case in light of information about anti-social behaviour and criminal damage charges.

"The family is in short-term private accommodation at the moment following allegations of anti-social behaviour. In their previous council accommodation they had to be served notice because of this."

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