TRADE unions have welcomed a move to “call in” plans to privatise Bolton Council’s community meals on wheels service.

Moves were made to end the council’s provision during a meeting of cabinet on November 4.

However the decision approving the plans was called in by opposition councillors and a review will be held by a scrutiny panel to reconsider the future of the service.

Martin Challender, Bolton UNISON’s adult social services convenor. said: “Local community meals services have provided a real lifeline to many thousands of elderly and disabled people over the years.

“A friendly face bringing a hot midday meal to people who are struggling at home is a real lifeline to a great many people. This is an excellent service that you cannot just put a monetary value on.

“It is excellent news that decision to to cut the service has been called in for further scrutiny. Local policy decisions should be based on planning to meet the future needs of vulnerable people and our local communities rather than simply taking an axe to council jobs and services. We hope that Bolton Council will work with UNISON and our GMB colleagues to find ways to develop and maintain Bolton’s Meals Service.”