Controversial plans to axe hot food from the meals on wheels service have been labelled 'scandalous.'

The county council are looking into replacing the daily hot meals service with a weekly delivery of frozen ones.

The cost-cutting move has prompted fears that, without daily contact, elderly people could become isolated and at risk.

Keith Warren, of Age Concern Chorley, said: "If this were to go ahead we would be appalled.

"The service is a lifeline for dozens of people in Chorley.

"A big factor in the life of many elderly people is loneliness and the loss of that social contact, however brief, will be a massive blow.

"The knock on the door each day also provides a safety net in the case of someone who has been taken unwell or may need help with other problems."

Volunteers are trained to do 'safe and well' checks, which are invaluable."

The county council provides a meal service to more than 5,000 people, delivered by private firms and local voluntary groups, such as the WRVS.

Borough Councillor Cath Hoyle is a Women's Royal Volunteer Service helper and delivers 20 meals a fortnight.

She said: "I'm very concerned at these planned changes. Volunteers can spend a minute or two with people, give a friendly word and make sure that everything is fine with them."

The council is looking to save £9.9m. One proposal involves the daily hot meal being replaced by a frozen one. This would see the cost of each meal increasing from £2.25 to £2.50.

A spokesman said: "We are looking at a number of proposals including considering replacing hot meals with frozen meals delivered once a week and reviewing charges for people to meet the full cost of meals where appropriate.

"This would give older people and others who receive meals at home more choice in what meals they wish to eat and when.

"These plans, however, would not affect those who cannot cope with heating meals as they would have carers and home help staff to help them prepare meals. We are not stopping the service." The decision on the budget savings recommendations will be made at full council on February 16.

Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle is to raise the matter with health minister Liam Byrne in a debate today and also plans to meet health chiefs to see if a hot meals service can continue, even if it is outside county council control.

He said: "I'm astounded that vulnerable older people could be left without a hot meal provision. It is absolutely scandalous."