Film maker Gary Jay challenges Simon Danczuk to sleep rough for seven days

Simon Danczuk MP challenged to sleep rough for seven days

Rochdale film maker Gary Jay has challenged MP Simon Danczuk to sleep rough on the streets after seeing the MPs "heartless tweets" about beggars in the town centre.

The MP’s tweets read: “Just raised in Parliament that the police are losing control of Rochdale town centre. Failing to address begging, shop lifting, ASB, etc.”

When asked if he meant ‘begging or homelessness’, Mr Danczuk replied: “Begging, counted four beggars between Rochdale Exchange and Wheatsheaf entrances last Tuesday. Should at very least be moved on.”

He then went on to say that not enough was being done by the police.

Mr Jay, who slept on the streets of Manchester last year for his Human Garbage documentary, challenged the MP to gain a first-hand understanding of the daily problems those who sleep on the streets face.

Whilst making Human Garbage last year, Mr Jay slept was threatened and attacked during his five nights on the streets.

He said: “I am so annoyed with his attitude towards people whom are in a less fortunate position than himself. I am challenging him to sleep rough with me for seven days.

“When I made my documentary, I slept in Manchester City centre with drug addicts and alcoholics, was threatened by the city’s drug dealers and even attacked, which you see on the film.

“This man has no idea what these people go through. If this is what our MPs actually think, what chance have we got of ever moving forward with something that shouldn't have happened in the 18th century, never mind the 21st?”

Mr Danczuk has not responded to an invitation to comment.