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TWO pensioners have been living in a mobile home on a Macclesfield lay-by for the last six years.

John Kirk, 82, and his partner Eunice, 81, left their flat 16 years ago and have been living in their motor home ever since.

The couple, who have no children, settled on the Silk Road lay-by opposite the Tesco superstore about six years ago.

Mr Kirk says the couple have felt vulnerable, particularly at night, stationed by the side of the road.

They get their water from the staff kitchen at a local plumbing merchant’s and occasionally shower at Macclesfield Leisure Centre.

But a tough winter last year was the final straw and now there are questions over whether they can survive without help. John said: "We are not destitute but I have health problems that need sorting out urgently."

Due to these medical problems medical problems, Mr Kirk is now awaiting follow up care at Macclesfield Hospital.

The couple insist they have permission to stay on the land, believed to be owned by Network Rail.

Mr Kirk, who was born in Chapel-en-le-Frith in Derbyshire, said: "We have behaved ourselves and not caused any trouble.

"Last winter was quite tough but we survived. There has been some trouble over the years.

"But Macclesfield has been a friend more than an enemy.

"If we weren’t here we could always find somewhere else but the reason we have stayed is that we have connections around here."

Mick Simpson, assistant manager at the Plumb Centre, a plumbing merchants on Black Lane near Tesco, said they came for free water most weeks.

"It has just become a routine. They come in to help themselves in our staff kitchen but they always ask first. We’ve asked if we can carry it over but they say they can manage."

The couple – now onto their third motor home – used to travel for several months a year but had to stop due to declining health. Mr Kirk, who is awaiting a publisher’s decision on a book about the killing of US soldiers off the British coast in 1944, says his current condition has worsened, leaving him regularly in pain. Mr Kirk is also a regular visitor to Age Concern in Macclesfield.

Dominic Anderson, business development manager at Age Concern East Cheshire, said: "He has been popping in for years now – he uses the computers.

"We have concerns about any homeless older people and are here for support any time he needs it."