NEWPORT council has named a private company as the alternative to its axed meals-on-wheels service - but all the food arrives frozen and users have to buy 12 worth of food each time.

The council caused an uproar when it revealed it was to stop serving hot food to 270 elderly and vulnerable people to save 114,000 - a fraction of its 193 million budget.

It points to Wiltshire Farm Foods as an alternative, which has a distribution branch in Cwmbran, and offers a large menu to anyone wanting ready-made food delivered.

Whereas meals-on-wheels customers pay 1.80 each time for delivery of a hot main course with hot dessert, customers of Wiltshire Farm Foods have to buy at least 12 worth of meals in one go, which includes delivery.

Budget options include roast beef and roast potatoes for 2.45, and pork and apple casserole for 1.95.

An "a la carte" menu braised beef costs 3.80 and, at the top end, a "gourmet" selection includes beef in whisky for 4.80. Desserts are 75p to 80p.

Mrs Lil Rowlands, 74, of Rhiwderin, who helps run a pensioners' luncheon club, and is a meals-on-wheels customer, said: "These meals are too expensive and I know one lady who tried them who didn't like heating them up.

"Meals-on-wheels arrive boiling hot and are good value."

And Olive Paciello, 70, of Glasllwch Crescent, who runs a luncheon club of 30 people, said: "Meals-on-wheels is about more than food. It gives vulnerable people social contact."

Hazel Skinner, director of Wiltshire Farm Foods Cwmbran branch, said some customers prefer the taste of their products over meals-on-wheels.

The meals can be heated in the microwave or oven.

She added: "With our meals you can have them as and when you want them, instead of when they are delivered.

"The product is not much different but we have far more choice."

She said the 12 limit was not an issue as most areas are served by a delivery only once or twice a week, so customers often order a week's supply.