THERE are more than 15,000 people claiming incapacity benefit in Bolton.

The figures came to light after the Government announced a crackdown on disability benefit cheats who are swindling millions of pounds a year.

Long-term disability claimants will be summoned to interviews to establish if they are genuine cases. Those who refuse to attend will lose their benefits.

According to one Bolton man, it is a move that will be supported by those who are genuinely entitled to incapacity benefit. Quadriplegic Harold Hunter, aged 81, from Halliwell said: "I think this crackdown should have happened years ago. Something needs to be done because some people are clearly cheating the system.

"I don't mind my taxes being used for people in real need that's what taxes are for. But I object greatly to them being spent on those who can work but are cheating the system."

Mr Hunter, who is chairman of the Bolton Patients' Council, was joined by MP David Crausby who said genuine claimants had nothing to fear from the Government's move.

The Bolton North-east MP, said: "I have always believed those people who are entitled to benefits should be properly looked after. Those who are fit to work, should work.

"The reality is that many people went on incapacity benefit in the early 1980s and later when unemployment was very high.

"Some people get trapped on incapacity benefit for a long time by finding it hard to get back into work. But the question is how sick are these people? The Government can help, but it's a matter of how far they're willing to go. There is a very thin line between helping and chasing people back to work. I will be upset if they try to chase sick people into work."

According to figures released from the Department for Work and Pensions, Bolton has 15,500 people of working age who are claiming incapacity benefit; 8,900 in Bury and 6,800 in Leigh.

Welfare secretary John Hutton said: "The increased support we offer to people seeking to get back to work must be matched by increased obligations.

"A 'something for something' approach demands that state help is matched by increased responsibility on the part of claimants to take advantage of the support programmes Government can offer."