BURY is on the verge of demanding Government cash to help cope with increasing numbers of asylum-seekers.

The borough has accommodated 104 asylum-seekers so far, including both single people and families.

Town hall bosses have revealed that Bury has now spent £26,000 looking after the seekers, more of whom are arriving each month.

Councillor Kevin Scarlett, chairman of health, housing and social services, admitted that the council was "not entirely satisfied" with the funding arrangements.

"We have not got firm guarantees that the cost will be fully reimbursed," he told members at the full council meeting.

"It's being met within budgets at the moment. That will increase, and our representations will become more vociferous," he added.