Maldon district councillors have recommended the council submits a tender for the management and delivery of meals-on-wheels in the district.

It is part of a shake-up of the service from next April.

Essex County Council envisages the service in the county being most effectively provided from six strategic locations, and has indicated Maldon being the provider not only in its district but also in the southern part of Chelmsford borough.

Officers said in a report to members of the leisure services and community development committee on Tuesday: "Preparing a formal tender bid for the existing area of Maldon district is going to be a difficult enough task as it is with the staffing resources available, without the complication of having to deal with part of an adjacent authority's area."

The were confident, however, that it could be achieved and the contract for management and delivery of the service won.

The council currently operates a seven days a week service, and about 46,500 meals are provided each year.

Members recommended that the council should only manage and deliver meals-on-wheels for the Maldon district.

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