Axe looms over free meals for the elderly

Pensioners in sheltered accommodation blocks in one Black Country borough could lose their freshly prepared hot lunches as part of council cost-cutting measures.

Elderly residents in Sandwell today said they were devastated by the plans to replace the fresh daily lunches with frozen meals.

One 89-year-old widow said she was so upset she could no longer sleep and another 82-year-old great-grandmother said the lunches were the only fresh meal most of the residents ate as they could not get out to the shops.

Council bosses visited pensioners at Manifoldia Grange in West Bromwich, Holly Grange in Smethwick and Walker Grange in Tipton to inform them of the proposal on Wednesday.

At the moment, hot lunches and desserts are freshly prepared for the residents every weekday and served in the communal dining rooms at the complexes.

Sandwell Council is considering changing to frozen meals that will be warmed up on site as it battles to save £27 million.

Sheila Bing's 89-year-old mother Eileen Smith has been a resident at Holly Grange in Mallin Street for the past four years.

Mrs Bing, aged 59 and of Argyll in Scotland, said: "Because I live so far away, it gives me peace of mind to know that she is getting at least one fresh meal a day.

"This news is really upsetting as I want my mother to have the healthiest meals possible. Mum is really worried about this now, she's told me she hasn't be able to sleep since they told her."

There were also worries today the changes could result in jobs losses for kitchen staff at the three complexes. Manifoldia Grange is made up of 38 extra care flats, Holly Grange of 33 and Walker Grange, in Central Avenue, 37.

Cabinet member for adult social care Councillor Linda Horton said: "We want our tenants to have the best possible deal on meals.

"We have now begun a 28-day consultation period where we will talk to everyone concerned and listen to their views.

"I want to stress that no decision has been made yet and this is just a proposal. Once the consultation period has been completed and a full discussion has been held we will then make a final decision.

"People should be aware that we are committed to providing a hot meal at lunchtimes in the communal dining areas.

"Until any final decision is made we cannot say if there will be any impact on jobs."

Sandwell's meals on wheels service, which caters to 300 pensioners, is also under review.