A PASSIONATE and emotional appeal is being made to a Newport council boss to reconsider the decision to axe meals-on-wheels in the city.

As we reported last week, Trinity Methodist Church luncheon club is one of four such organisations in the city that relies on the service.

For about seven years the club has received the meals to serve to about 25 to 30 elderly people each Thursday.

Now church minister Reverend Delyth Liddell-Davies, the volunteers and members have signed a letter to Ellis Williams, social services director, asking him to reconsider the "distressing decision".

They say the luncheon club is an important enhancement to the lives of the people who use it.

The letter says: "Many of them are housebound and have to be transported by volunteers.

"They live alone, and often any family live far away from them, so the social interaction, as well as a hot nourishing meal, is most welcome and important to their well-being.

"The noise of the happy chatter is proof of this, not to mention the expressions of dismay at your news."

The letter goes on to say that people who have the meals delivered to their homes, including some of the Thursday luncheon group, look forward to the social contact, which may be the only form they get.

Last week Mr Williams told the Argus that the recipients were not at the most vulnerable end of the spectrum, but the club members challenge him to visit some of them "and then maybe you will begin to appreciate the vital need for this essential service".

They urge him to reconsider his decision. "The savings are a drop compared with the council's budget, and we feel that there could be far less damaging cuts if the effort is made."

Another lunch club, used by 20 pensioners, operates in Rhiwderin and is organised by Hazel Morgan, 76.

"We were devastated when we found out," said Mrs Morgan. "We will have to give up on the club and for many members it's the highlight of their week."