VULNERABLE elderly people unable to cook their own meals were reduced to tears when they learned a service providing them with hot food is to be axed.

The Community Housing Group (CHG) has pulled the plug on the Cooking Pot Dining Service, which caters for dozens of pensioners from 11 sheltered homes in Worcestershire.

Distraught pensioners, some of whom cannot cook because of illness or disability, were in tears after being told the service, provided by Wyre Forest Sheltered Housing staff, would be axed, on July 31.

Yvonne Leishman, managing director of CHG, said it was a difficult decision to make. The services affected include those at Kidderminster’s Arch Hill Court, Carter Court, Neville Court, Adams House, Purcell House, Ruth Chamberlain Court and Fred Bennett Centre.

The services at homes in Bewdley, Stourport and Cookley are also being axed.

Pensioners rely heavily on the food service, for which they pay £3.50 per day, to provide them with one hot meal and dessert.

The service is also used by non-residents as their only chance to get out of their homes and socialise.

James Raynor, aged 88, who has been attending a Stourport meal club with his 80-year-old wife Thelma for 14 years, said without the club many people could struggle to get a hot meal.

He said: “It gets us out of the house to meet people.

“A prisoner can get free food and we who are good citizens can’t get anything – it’s disgusting.

“It’s our human rights being smashed to bits.

“The ladies were crying when we were told. I’ve never seen so many old people crying.”

Ms Leishman said customer feedback showed that people preferred to provide their own meals or go to pubs and cafes.

“We have identified a small group of more vulnerable customers who rely on meals being provided and we promise that we will do everything we can to support them,” she said.