COUNCIL chiefs have come under fire from pensioners who have had their meals-on-wheels service scrapped.

Durham County Council has stopped its traditional hot meals service, while continuing to provide subsidised meals for its own staff.

The council insists the meals-on-wheels service, regarded by many as a lifeline, had to go.

But at County Hall, Durham City, politicians and staff continue to be catered for by a menu subsidised by about £1,000 a day by the taxpayer.

The move has been criticised by Independent Councillor John Shuttleworth, who said: "Before a cut like this was made, there should have been wide ranging consultation.

"Instead, it was a decision made by a small number of councillors behind closed doors - and clearly they have got their priorities wrong."

Among the hundreds of pensioners across the county who have been affected are Margaret and Bob Hodgson, in Wingate.

Mrs Hodgson, 91, said: "I don't like to complain, as we both have pensions, but it seems strange I was assessed a year ago as being eligible for help and now I am not.

"I do feel sorry for the old folk who live on their own and cannot make a meal for themselves."

A spokeswoman for Durham County Council said it had to review the meals-on-wheels service after the district councils withdrew financial support.

She said: "All recipients are assessed before the service is withdrawn and, if people need help in being fed, then home helps will still provide that assistance. However, we will not subsidise the cost of the food or its delivery.

"An element of the old age pension is intended to provide for the cost of food and the private sector can deliver food far more cost effectively than the council.

"Any money saved by this step will be ringfenced for use within social services."