A poverty and inequality conference was held in Bexleyheath by the local Labour party.

Erith and Thamesmead MP Teresa Pearce joined members of the Bexleyheath and Crayford Labour Party for the event at Geddis Place Church Hall.

The meeting sought to highlight issues such as child poverty in Bexley with speakers including Northend ward Councillor Brenda Langstead and Ursula Ayliffe from the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Ms Ayliffe told the gathering on March 8 that many low and middle income households were now seeking help from the CAB.

Cllr Langstead praised local voluntary groups and front line council workers working to help some of the most needy in the face of cuts in central government funding.

Ms Pearce said: “It is no secret many people are struggling to make ends meet at the moment.

“The poverty conference in Bexley provided an excellent opportunity to highlight the full extent of this problem and how it is affecting people in local communities.”