A GIRL of 16 and her boyfriend say they have been told they cannot have housing accommodation because she is NOT pregnant or insane.

They are due to leave temporary hostel accommodation and could be homelss.

Toni Hardman and Daniel Hill (19) left their parental homes after "family breakdowns" two months ago.

The council gave them shelter at Bury's South View Hostel.

Toni said: "The council said they would find us permanent accommodation. But since then I have been told that the only way to get somewhere is by getting pregnant or claiming insanity. I am not insane and don't want a baby at my age."

At the end of July the council sent them a notice-to-quit letter. They must leave the hostel today. Toni, who is on medication for depression, has no income. Daniel receives £80 Job Seekers' Allowance per fortnight.

He said: "We have nowhere to turn. Private rented accommodation is too expensive, housing association waiting lists are at least a year long and drug users live in some of the cheaper bed and breakfast places. We are trying to avoid coming into contact with that but can't afford the more expensive places."

Daniel, who used to have a job and a car, says the couple are weary with the situation. He has worked since he was 16 but is now unemployed and having difficulty securing employment without a permanent home address.

And Toni added: "Many places will not accept people claiming benefits. We have been looking in the local paper but there is nothing.

"All we want is a small one-bedroomed flat."

A Bury Council spokesperson responded: "The couple concerned were given extensive advice and information both to assist them to find alternative accommodation and to explain why they did not qualify as homeless.

"That would have included full details of all the priority categories."

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