A PENSIONERS’ group has lambasted County Hall bosses after it was revealed its meals on wheels service would be axed across most of the Tendring district.

Essex County Council has decided to freeze prices, but changes to the service will see rounds covering Clacton, Frinton, Walton, St Osyth and Harwich cut.

Sodexo, the firm running the service, had told the council it was not prepared to extend the contract for another year on the existing terms.

The changes will see Sodexo close its Colchester depot, saving the county council £278,000 a year.

The county council said it would now need to find “alternative provision” for 120 people in areas where the rounds were being axed.

Elderly people who use the service could now be forced to rely on voluntary and health groups’ lunch and “casserole” clubs.

Michael Le Cornu, chairman of Tendring Pensioners’ Action Group, said: “It’s disgraceful, but it seems to be taking place across the country.

“I’m outraged at their behaviour – this is attacking the most vulnerable people. It really is shocking.

“It will cause problems for people who are on their own."

Read the full story in the Clacton Gazette, out now.