Feeling the squeeze...

We visited one of Greater Manchester's shopping precincts to find out how people are coping with the cost of living crisis

- THOMAS GEORGE

ON an overcast May afternoon, Leanne Kay pushes her pram across Salford Precinct.

Like millions across the country, the mum-of-two is worried about the rising cost of living.

Rising gas and electricity bills for her two-bedroom flat have left the mum-of-two “skint” and fearful that things are only going to get worse.

“I put money on the smart meter and it’s just gone within a day,” she explained.

“I used to use £1 a day but now it’s £4. It’s hard, especially when you have a baby. I have to put the heating on and what about food? I’m struggling and I’m worried it’ll all go up again.”

Susan Smith is another who has been feeling the squeeze. In recent months, she has noticed her household bills creeping up, as well as the cost of petrol and food.

“My husband travels to work in the car every day and he’s just pumping the petrol in,” the 58-year-old said. “All your essentials and groceries have gone up and the items are getting smaller.

“You’ve got to cut back, especially with the heating in the house. I’m on my own in the day so I don’t turn the heating on until my husband and sons come home.