By Elgan Hearn Local Democracy Reporter and MyNewtown
Powys County Council has undertaken a U-turn on its decision not to provide Christmas dinners to local school children this year.
Just like Scrooge in the classic Christmas tale, the County Council has had a re-think over its Christmas dinner in schools menu.
It follows a campaign led by Newtown's Cllr Joy Jones, highlighted by MyNewtown over the weekend.
She set up an online petition calling for a change of menu, which was signed by 5,888 people.
Some of the comments from outraged parents who took to social media included even boycotting the Christmas dinner altogether.
Many looked over the border to Shropshire with envy, salivating at the traditional turkey roast being offered there.
The Council said that the original party themed menu had been a cost-cutting measure, the traditional dinner will now cost and extra 70 pence on top of the £2.30 charge for dinner.
A happy Cllr Joy Jones who recently left the ruling Independent Group, but retains her role as Poverty Champion, said: “I heard about the Christmas theme menu on Thursday evening, so Friday I put a call into a school to make sure that it was correct what I was hearing.
“I was given a menu and was shocked as it is nothing more than a packed lunch.”
Cllr Jones then took to social media to ask what parents thought of the menu.
Cllr Jones continued: “It quickly became apparent that parents wanted a traditional Christmas dinner for their children.
“So within an hour, I set up a petition for the parents to fill in.
“To my amazement, it started to fly around social media and within hours thousands of people had signed the petition.”
Cllr Jones added: “I am was so pleased to hear on Monday evening that a traditional Christmas dinner will be back on the school menu.
“A great result back on within 72 hours of the petition being launched
“As Anti-Poverty Champion for Powys, I felt it important as for some children it may be the only traditional Christmas dinner they get as some parents are facing problems financially and can’t afford to a have big traditional dinner this year.”
Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for School Catering Service, explained that the council had covered the additional costs of providing the Christmas meal and that all parts of the Council are under financial pressure to make savings.
This included offering a party themed menu rather than the traditional turkey and trimmings.
Cllr Davies, said: “This position was sent to primary school headteachers in the county and that a party-themed menu would be introduced this Christmas within the existing cost of a primary school dinner.”
“The public reaction over the last few days has shown how much support there is for a traditional Christmas dinner, which has always been popular in the past.
“We will provide a Christmas dinner for primary school pupils this year but with a small increase to cover the additional costs.”
The price of this meal as a one-off will be £3 per primary school pupil – an increase of 70p.
Montgomeryshire AM, Russell George, who also complained to the council about the situation, said: “After speaking to the Cabinet Member personally about this issue, I welcome the news that Powys County Council has reconsidered its earlier suggestion that it would replace the traditional Christmas dinner in school canteens with an alternative menu of a filled sandwich, margarita pizza finger, breaded coated chicken or vegetable nuggets.
“This will mean that the traditional Christmas Dinner will return to its rightful place on the menu of school canteens across Powys this Christmas."
Mr George had also written to Powys County Council's Leader, Cllr Rosemarie Harris after being inundated by concerned parents and teachers.
He added: “Just like Ebenezer Scrooge, the County Council has come through in the end and responded quickly to the concerns raised by parents, teachers, residents and local children.
"Thank you Powys County Council for making the right decision in the end.”
Photo: Newtown High School would have been one of the local schools offered the sandwich and pizza Christmas option
