A HEAVILY pregnant and disabled woman and her partner are still living on the Bolton streets — just weeks before she is expected to give birth.

Craig Porter and Danielle Clarke have been homeless in Bolton for the past two weeks after they said they fled their Burnley home because of threats of violence.

The couple are now living in a tent in an area of woodland behind the Scholey Street police station.

Ms Clarke, aged 24, has hereditary spastic paraplegia and is around 36 weeks pregnant.

The couple have asked Bolton Council for accommodation, but the authority said it could not corroborate the couple’s story regarding their previous tenancy in Burnley and believes that they are not homeless as they can return to live there.

Mr Porter said the fact they are choosing to remain homeless in Bolton — despite Ms Clarke’s condition – shows how scared they are of returning to Burnley.

The 34-year-old said: “Why would we choose to live like this? Especially with Danielle’s condition – she is really bad now and can barely walk.

“The council is still refusing to look at our case, but we think that as soon as she has the baby there will be someone along very quickly to take him away.”

The couple said they have already had to replace a tent they were living in because it was set on fire.

They are now being helped by volunteer Trevor Roberts, who is part of the Kings Church.

He said: “I noticed the tent and the guys living there – I couldn’t believe it.

“I think it is shocking that a heavily pregnant woman can be left to live in a tent in the woods, it is a disgrace to the town.”

He added: “I have been getting supplies of food and other goods to them but they need more help.”

A Bolton Council spokesman said: “Under the Housing Act 1996, the council has a duty to provide suitable accommodation when the applicant meets certain criteria.

“However, where someone already has a tenancy in place and that is reasonable to continue to occupy in view of the presenting circumstances, they are not classed as homeless and we would arrange for them to return to their original tenancy.

“All applicants to our homeless welfare service are able to request a review of any decision made, with any further information they are able to provide.”