COUNCILLORS have been urged to kick plans to cut hot school dinners "into the long grass" after residents rejected them.

 

West Dunbartonshire Council suggested axing the hot meals on a Friday to save money in the face of budget pressures.

The council held a consultation on the moves - and a rage of other money saving measures - but they were voted down 74 per cent to 26 per cent.

Now local MSP Stuart McMillan has called on elected members to ditch the proposal when they meet to discuss cuts next month.

The SNP MSP said: "It's clear the majority of residents who responded to the budget consultation are against any changes to school meals.

"Ensuring the youngest pupils in our schools have access to healthy and nutritious lunches can also play an important role in improving attainment and helping pupils to achieve their best in class.

"The residents of West Dunbartonshire are quite clear in their opposition to preventing children from receiving a range of school meals."

He added: "The Scottish Government has demonstrated its commitment to providing our pupils with school meals by extending the entitlement for free meals to all Primary 1 to primary 3 school pupils.

"This contrasts quite dramatically to that of West Dunbartonshire Council who planned to cut hot dinners for its pupils, something residents have voted overwhelmingly against.

"I hope they will now kick this idea into the long grass and ensure our pupils continue to receive healthy and nutritious school meals."

The local authority says it must make cuts in response to an estimated £17million budget gap over the next three years.

The council has identified nearly £9 million of immediate savings and a range of proposals of around £8 million for councillors to consider when setting the budget in February.

As part of the consultation local people also voted against reducing respite care for children with disabilities, cutting older peoples' day care provision and reviewing waste management.

They voted in favor of plans to close two primary schools - Dalreoch in Dumbarton and Carleith in Clydebank - as well as Garshake nursery in Dumbarton.

All feedback will be presented to councillors at a budget meeting on February 4.

West Dunbartonshire Council spokesman said: "Council officers have put forward a number of savings options to help close an estimated £17 million budget gap due to reduced Government funding and increased costs.

"This includes an option to reduce food waste and also provide a sandwich lunch on a Friday.

"It is for councillors to decide which savings options to progress with when they set the budget on February 4."