FIRST they were turfed out of their long-standing premises and now the elderly users of a Bewdley lunch club have come up against another problem - the quality of the food.

Some pensioners have decided they do not want the WRVS service because of the standard of the meals.

The OAPs had to abandon their dilapidated meeting place in Lax Lane last October but thought their worries were over when they were immediately re-housed at the Riverside Church in Dog Lane.

But Wribbenhall resident, Hilda Jones, 82, said members faced a new worry: "The food is dreadful. We tried it for a few weeks and people weren't eating it. It is a lovely hall and the church staff are absolutely wonderful. They can't do enough for us but we can't eat the food." She added: "It is terrible."

Mrs Jones said she had joined the majority of other members in leaving the club while another pensioner, Kathleen Bedford, said she was still attending.

She explained: "I think we were very spoilt at Lax Lane, to be truthful. We had fresh vegetables and lots of things were cooked on the premises.

"It is not so good as it was by any means and numbers have dropped off considerably because of it. It is a shame really that it is not good but what do you expect for the money?"

Bewdley Town Council has written to WRVS bosses for an explanation but has not received a reply, despite two further reminders.

Mayor of Bewdley, Tony Williams, said: "We are getting more and more complaints about the quality of food and we have written on numerous occasions."

An officer from Worcestershire County Council investigated the complaints. The food had improved since Christmas, according to their report, but this was "not consistent" although, "overall, the attendees are happy". Pensioners accepted "they will never have the same quality they received at Lax Lane".

A statement from WRVS said: "WRVS is aware that issues have been raised regarding the quality of meals provided to attendees at the lunch club and we are investigating this matter.

"Our primary concern is for the welfare of those people who receive meals. The charity is currently in the process of moving into larger, modern premises which will facilitate the provision of meals.

"We will, however, continue to monitor the situation and take immediate action to rectify any quality issues which come to light."