Fears over future of Walsall's meals on wheels

Pensioners who receive meals on wheels in a Black Country borough are being encouraged to order food from cafes and takeaways instead, leading to fears that the service could be axed.

Walsall Council has given elderly and disabled users a long list of alternative providers ranging from day centres to independently run businesses.

It has prompted concerns over the future of meals on wheels in the borough when the contract with Sodexo finishes in January.

The council is refusing to confirm if it will continue to subsidise the service, which is used by hundreds of people in the borough.

Scores of users have been left confused over whether they will continue to get subsidised meals from next year. A number are housebound and rely on their food being delivered.

David Hanson, aged 56, of Blakenall, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, said he relies on a hot meal arriving. Mr Hanson said: "I was sent a list of places where I can get meals from and a lot are cafes and day centres.

"I would be totally lost without the meals on wheels and there are some worse off than me. No-one seems to know what is going on and need some more information."

Blakenall Councillor Pete Smith voiced his worry the service is being phased out. "I am extremely concerned, I believe the council is planning to ditch its support for the meals on wheels," he said.

"I am worried about people's health and well-being. Commercial prices are going to be much higher and people will not pay these and are going to end up going without."

Council chiefs have refused to reveal its long-term plans for meals on wheels across the borough and whether the contract will continue.

Paul Davies, executive director for social care and inclusion, said: "The council does not comment on contractual negotiations.

"The existing contract expires in January 2011 and we are examining options for the future provision of meals services in Walsall."