Our readers made their voices heard in a recent online media storm.

Readers of the Times & Star had a lot to say after Workington MP Mark Jenkinson supported comments from a fellow Tory MP that a small number of those claiming food vouchers are trading them for drugs.

Holly Horsely commented: “Maybe people wouldn’t feel like they needed drugs if we had proper mental health services in the county!

“It sickens me how quick we are to judge those addicted to drugs when we know nothing about their lives.”

Another reader, Barry Norman, said: “The Tories will say anything to deflect attention from the inept and immoral way they are handling this virus crisis. Hope the good people of Workington remember for the next election.”

Kathleen Stella Nevison gave a unique perspective: “Unfortunately a very small majority do sell food parcels, I volunteer within services and have heard of it from clients as people struggle to get money for various reasons. However I disagree that because a very small majority take advantage of schemes others should suffer.”

Nikki Jane said: “Nope. I am on the frontline, it doesn’t happen. What does happen is that children go hungry –that I have seen. Central government are the ones who need intervene – let’s not make this a postcode lottery with different councils doing different things.”

On the other hand, Clive Henderson said: “To be honest he is right and some people need to stop and think what they are doing. Our kids must come first and foremost and some need to wake up and do the right thing.”