The meals will still have wheels

Lib Dem Councillor Dale Mulgrew

Following concerns raised about the future of the of the 'Meals on Wheels' service, the Council's social services chief Councillor Dale Mulgrew is seeking to allay fears by explaining that the current review has only one objective, to improve the way the service operates.

The way the service operates has not been changed for a number of years, and the Council review is intended to determine if the service can be improved.

The 'Meals on Wheels' service is a joint collaboration between the Council and the WRVS, with volunteers delivering a daily meal to the vulnerable across the borough.

Cllr Dale Mulgrew said: "The fears that are circulating around at present are unfounded and greatly overplaying the purpose of why we are looking at the 'Meals on Wheels' service.

"Currently the service is provided in a way it has been provided for many years. This means there is little choice of menu, little service user involvement, and it only operates five days a week.

"Users who receive the service currently and anyone new who require assistance will get a meal delivered daily, and we will continue to work with the WRVS to ensure their presence in the community.

"Moreover, I would like to see service users given a choice of menu a week before, so that they can decide what they want and determine when they receive it. This may include extending the service to seven days a week.

"Our intention is to fully consult with the recipients of the service and their carers. We will also run taster sessions for any new menu.

"Very shortly all 300 service users will be written to confirming that we intend to invite them to participate in this review and we will be working to see how we can introduce changes that will be to the benefit of everyone.

"The WRVS has a vital role to play in this."