FUEL protesters should have called off their picket earlier claims a pensioners' campaigner who fears panic buying could affect old folks.

Sue Troughton of the Campaign for the Restoration of Older People's Services (CROPS) carried out a survey among residents at the sheltered accommodation in Loveclough where she is warden.

She said: "They are all very concerned about what is going to happen because if there are no buses and taxis can't get fuel then they won't be able to get to the shops and Asda is already struggling to get enough supplies to meet the demands of customers. I asked 30 people what they thought and all but three said they wouldn't be voting Labour again."