A BRITISH man forced to sleep on the streets because he couldn’t prove strong links to this country now has a roof over his head.
Earlier this week the Examiner carried the story of Kirklees-born Colin Atkinson who was sleeping rough in Huddersfield after losing all his money in the Philippines.
The 54-year-old, who is registered blind and suffers from epilepsy, was denied any benefits because he had been out of the country for four years.
Mr Atkinson arrived in Huddersfield on May 3 and spent eight nights sleeping in Greenhead Park before Fusion Housing based on Market Street pressured Kirklees Council to find him accommodation.
He said yesterday: “I went there and the man at Fusion said that because I’m born and bred here, I have strong ties and I should not be made to wait for accommodation.
“He gave the council until 2pm on Friday or he would get a solicitor from Leeds to take it to the county court.
“The council gave me a room at the Cambridge Hotel until I can get my benefits.”
Mr Atkinson said it was a relief to no longer be on the streets.
“It’s been very nice to sleep in a bed and get my breakfast in the morning,” he said.
Mr Atkinson is currently applying for benefits.
“I’ve made some progress but I haven’t got any money yet. I have to wait 26 weeks before I can get any disability living allowance.
“I will feel a lot better when I’ve got some money in my pocket.”
Dewsbury-born Mr Atkinson moved to the Philippines in 2008 to live with his wife Emma Barrea. However, the former Fartown man lost his inheritance of £50,000 when the couple separated.
He spent two years begging on the streets of the capital Manila before an Australian bought him a ticket home.
Mr Atkinson arrived in Manchester Airport on May 2 with no money and nowhere to stay.
