CAMPAIGNERS said the amount of deaths reflected the fact that society did not look after the old ‘like it should’.

Burnley Council leader Gordon Birtwistle said: “It’s appalling that in 2009 people are still dying from the cold in the UK, one of the richest countries in the world.

“The system is a joke. People who have never claimed a benefit all their lives and have no idea how to do it are being forced to beg the government for money they should be entitled to.

"The credits and extra benefits should be scrapped and everyone should get a fair state pension.

“I congratulate the Lancashire Telegraph for highlighting these issues.”

Burnley MP Kitty Ussher said the Government had sought to tackle the issues by topping up pensions with winter fuel payments, free eye tests and TV licences, and pension credits.

She said: “What the government has brought in has been pretty successful, and life expectancy is increasing.

“Some older people are sometimes reluctant to claim benefits because of pride, or simply because they find the forms difficult.

“I’m glad the Lancashire Telegraph is highlighting these issues, because poverty and hardship among older people is something we’re working very hard to stamp out.”

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said the problem was only going to get worse as people lived longer – unless action was taken.

He said: “Fuel poverty has increased dramatically over the last few years, and even though there have been some decreases the prices are nowhere near as low as they used to be.

“Some are facing the stark choice of whether to feed themselves or heat their homes.”

Brian Todd, chairman of the Blackburn Older People’s Forum, said: “We’ve also lost the neighbourly spirit of people popping in and checking on the older people living near them, and that results in vulnerable people struggling along alone, with no one to help them.

“Those are the people most likely to try and save money by keeping their heat off, and succumbing to the cold.”

Coun Roy Davies, chairman of Blackburn with Darwen’s health scrutiny committee, said the number of deaths was “disgraceful”

He said: “Despite all these government schemes there are still people in this country who are freezing to death because they are frightened of putting the heating on.

“We need to take a lot more care of our older people.”

East Lancashire pensioners told of the problems they faced. Wilfred Watson, 78, said: “I have to put the heating on because my wife’s always cold, and it costs a fortune. As the cold winter continues, the bills just get bigger. If you’ve got a bit of money in the bank – even if that’s all the money you’ve got to live on for the rest of your life – you’ve no chance of getting any really useful help.

“I’ve got arthritis and if you get really cold, it’s very painful.”

Irene Thornley, 70: “I really object to having to go round the shops looking for special offers and cheap food so that I’ve got the money left to pay my bills.

"Cutting the interest rates has meant my savings aren’t worth anywhere near as much as they were before, and I still can’t get any extra help.”