AN ASYLUM seeker from Hungary wants to bring his family to Warrington to prevent them from becoming homeless.

Peter Balogh, who lives in Wigan with his disabled wife Andrea and 10-year-old son Peter, says they are being forced on to the streets.

On May 1, his benefit money from the National Asylum Support Service, which funds the 46-year-old's family home, will be withdrawn.

This is because Hungary is joining the EU and Peter can travel freely across the European Union to visit, live or study in any member state.

But the Home Office has ruled that Mr Balogh, a hospital worker, cannot start work until May 1.

And since receiving the news two weeks ago, he is running out of time to find a job.

He has registered on a Warrington Borough Council housing scheme as his family has Hungarian friends in Birchwood who have lived in the town for more than 10 years.

Mr Balogh said: "I have seen that people in Warrington are very friendly. I don't want to be scared for my family anymore. I just want a life for my son and wife."

A council spokesman said that the family has been placed in the highest priority banding for an out of town person.

Peter Mercer, director of Golden Gates Housing, added: "As a citizen of the EU, Mr Balogh will be eligible for one of our homes and is on our housing lists and can now apply for homes."

The family is classed as gipsies, or Roma, in Hungary and Mr Balogh says they will be persecuted or even thrown in prison if they return home.

In 2002, special adjudicators ruled that the Baloghs were genuine asylum seekers and overturned an order for them to leave the UK.

A Home Office spokesman said that if Mr Balogh finds employment he will be eligible to register for a Workers' Registration scheme and claim benefits like social housing.