THREE Darwen residents were so desperate for a meal that they walked five miles to Blackburn Foodbank to collect supplies.

Their plight was highlighted at the full Council Forum on Thursday night.

Sudell ward LibDem councillor Roy Davies asked for action to be taken to ensure supplies were equally distributed between the foodbanks in the borough’s two towns.

Labour’s Phil Riley, a trustee of Blackburn foodbank, said that there were administrative reasons why the Darwen equivalent wished to keep its independence.

He said: “Food collected in Blackburn and Darwen is split between the two foodbanks.

“Recently, three residents of Sudell ward walked five miles to Blackburn foodbank because they were so desperate to get food.

“This is an example of how people in this area are suffering because of the recession and cuts.”

Council leader Kate Hollern said: “I am appalled at Coun Davies playing politics between Blackburn and Darwen when people are so desperate they will walk five miles to feed their families.”