FEARS are growing that Bolton's homelessness figures could reach crisis point. Housing chiefs are worried that the number of people registered homeless has steadily risen over the last 12 months. There are now 527 people homeless, compared with 449 for the same time last year.

And there are fears that it will get worse in October when changes in benefit regulations come into force which will cut the amount of money the under 25s are entitled to.

Councillors were told at a housing sub committee meeting that people are also remaining homeless longer.

They are staying in temporary accommodation such as the Clare Court hostel at Farnworth for longer periods.

Mr Jon Lord, access and advice manager, said: "We are finding that there has been a change. People do not now just present themselves as homeless.

"There are now other problems associated with it.

"It may be a care in the community issue or involve alcoholism or drug addiction or a mental health problem.

"The result is that it is more difficult and takes longer to find the most suitable accommodation."

Housing chiefs are now going to put together a report on the reasons for the increase in homelessness which will be presented to councillors in the next few months.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.