GOVERNMENT figures released this week suggested there are only four people sleeping rough in Blackpool.

But the number of people still visiting Blackpool's Salvation Army centre on Raikes Parade, Blackpool, paints a very different picture.

According to the manager at the centre Trevor Gotobed, the figures do not reflect an accurate picture of the homeless situation in Blackpool.

He explained: "One man who came in today laughed when he heard these figures. He went on to tell me that he knew at least 15 people who were presently sleeping rough.

"We have had about 35 people pop in today and I would say that about 90 per cent of them are regulars and I am certain that most of them are sleeping rough."

The new figures show that the number of people sleeping rough in England has fallen by 71per cent over the last three years. It is estimated that 532 people now sleep rough in England compared to 1,850 in 1998.

Louise Casey, head of the national Rough Sleepers Unit, commented: "The number of vulnerable rough sleepers has decreased due to the hard work and determination of charities, local authorities, the public and others.

"Our next step must be to ensure this reduction is sustained and to understand why some people are still sleeping rough."

SINCE The Citizen ran a front page story last week about the plight of a homeless man called Jim sleeping rough in Blackpool we have received a phone call offering to give Jim a new life.

The caller said: "We will pick Jim up and take him for an interview and he could be in a job by January."

However, so far, we have been unable to trace Jim and pass on the good news. If anyone sees Jim or if Jim reads this, give us a call on 729081.