RESIDENTS and relatives at a Torfaen assisted living home are planning a protest outside the office of a Torfaen social landlord over plans to remove their meal service.

Last month, it was announced that Torfaen council and Melin Homes would be withdrawing the cooked-for hot meal service at Croesyceiliog’s Ty George Lansbury as part of a cost-cutting exercise.

The service will be stopped after Friday, September 30, and those connected to the centre will be demonstrating on Thursday afternoon in Pontypool – a day before the last suppers are served.

“It is terrible – my mother has been here for just over a year. She came here with my dad but unfortunately he passed away while he was in hospital,” said Beth Ashcroft.

“Part of the reason behind the decision was knowing that my parents would be getting a cooked meal every day.

The options available to the residents will be Farm Foods or Meals on Wheels. It will be fine for the residents who can cope with a cooker, but what about those who can’t? They need supervision – it is a big safety issue.”

At present, residents of the assisted living centre are able to choose whether to pay for a cooked meal, which can be eaten communally in the dining room or in their own rooms, or make alternative options.

However, many of the residents not only enjoy the option of a cooked meal, but the chance to interact with their peers, occasionally over food.

Edwina Jones has lived at the centre since it opened eight years ago and believes that residents are very upset by the decision taken to stop the meal service.

“When the service goes, I’ll have find a way or find someone to help bring food in for me,” said Mrs Jones, 83, who uses the meal service daily.

“The social side of it is perhaps the best thing about it. Without it, in your own flat, you are on your own. It breaks up the day as well.”

Mark Gardner, chief executive of Melin Homes previously said: "The decision to withdraw the meal service at Ty George Lansbury was taken by the council in light of on-going budget pressures. We understand the concerns of our residents and we will support them through this period of change.

"We continue to work alongside Torfaen Social Care & Housing to explore alternative arrangements for meals at Ty George Lansbury"

Members of the Save Our Meal Service group, along with residents from Ty George Lansbury, are planning to hold their protest at 2.30pm on Thursday, September 29.