TRADE Unions have teamed up to campaign against Bolton Council scrapping meals on wheels.

Representatives from GMB and Unison protested outside the town hall ahead of last week’s council meeting.

A joint letter has also been sent from the unions to Bolton Council, urging them to reverse the proposals.

The letter, which is signed by GMB branch secretary Alan Flatley and Unison Senior Steward Jackie Peploe reads: “We are deeply concerned that this will be detrimental for many vulnerable people in local communities right across the borough.

“This service is not just a meal left at the door. Council trained staff actively engage with those people reliant on the service. They carry out visual safety and wellbeing checks, provide vital social interaction and help reduce isolation.

“We are told that community meals is not a statutory service which Bolton council does not have a legal duty to provide. We take a very different view.

“Removing the service would in our view be a false economy not only for the individuals affected, but also for NHS and social care services.

“We are urging Bolton Council not just to withdraw the proposal to axe community meals but to work with the joint trade unions to develop an alternative set of proposals. We believe that there is a great deal that could enhance and develop service and ensure that it continues to be available for years to come.”

Karen Farnworth was one of the people protesting, as both her parents rely on the service.

She said: “My dad gets meals on wheels seven days a week and my mum has meals on wheels two days a week.

“My dad having meals on wheels allows me to work comfortably. I know somebody’s going in at lunch time, if my dad’s not well someone will alert me. He’s actually been found on the floor a few times by the people who deliver and they’ve looked after him.

“Bolton Council has said other authorities have stopped meals on wheels but we should make a stand.

“Surely these old and disabled people are part of the Bolton Family that they always talk about.”