PENSIONERS in Barrow have voiced their anger over the Government's decision to cut the winter fuel allowance by staging a protest.

People gathered outside Barrow Town Hall and garnered hundreds of signatures on a petition calling for the controversial change to be reversed.

The group's demonstration coincided with national protests against the allowance which people fear could plunge some pensioners into poverty.

Anne Bispham, who organised the Barrow protest, said it went 'really well' and vowed to continue the action.

She said: "The day was quite successful. People are very upset about it.

"A lot of people wouldn't do what we've done.

"We do it for the people who don't have a voice."

She said 'hopefully' there would be more campaigning if the Government does not reverse its position.

"My friends and I will stick together if we have to do it again we'll do it again," she said.

"It's sad we've had to this we are all frightened for the future and for what's coming.

"We'll continue the fight whatever way we do it." 

The protest came as it was revealed four in every five pensioners living below or just above the poverty line will lose the £300 winter fuel payment, according to a charity.

It will become means-tested, meaning that all those over-65 will lose the payments unless they are on another benefit such as pension credit.  

Age UK said its analysis suggested that 10.7 million UK pensioners will lose the benefit, of whom almost one in four (23 per cent) live in poverty – with a household income of less than 60 per cent of the median – or just above the poverty line.

The charity found that 80 per cent – or 800,0000 – of UK pensioners aged 80 and over living in poverty or just above the poverty line will no longer receive the payment, as well as 78 per cent – or 1.1 million – of pensioners with a disability living in the same circumstances.

The study also suggests that 76 per cent – equivalent to one million – of the UK pensioners who live alone and live in poverty or just above the poverty line will no longer receive their payment.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves insisted 'tough decisions' on public finances are needed to prevent economic ruin. The party say there is a £22 billion 'black hole' in public finances.