Madam, I was shocked to discover during my recent Meals on Wheels delivery for the WRVS that the price being charged for meals is to be raised from £2.80 per meal to £4.40.

I understand that this is because the council has decided that it can no longer subsidise the service.

There are many elderly people who rely on this service to provide a nourishing hot meal each day as they are unable to cook for themselves. As many are on a very limited budget and are also paying increasing amounts for heating, this service is invaluable. To increase the cost by this much from December 10th may well force them to choose between heating their home or having a hot meal. This will inevitably put extra strain on the health service.

To penalise the elderly, especially at this time of the year with the likelihood of increasingly cold weather, is a callous and shameful step by Herefordshire Council, especially as the Government recently stated that it is committed to maintaining social care for the elderly.

Mary Harries, Ross