USERS of Essex’s meals on wheels service have been assured they will not have to pay extra after a new contract was agreed with the suppliers.

Sodexo, the company that provides the service, said it could not carry on because the number buying meals had fallen so much.

Essex County Council has now agreed to step in and cover the shortfall.

However, one of the three depots supplying meals will close.

A report by Dick Madden, the county councillor responsible for adults and children, said: “The number of users accessing the service has declined, and continues to decline.”

A total of 21,971 meals were delivered in March, but Sodexo’s 2012 contract was based on the expectation demand would not fall below 26,850 a month.

Sodexo said it would not provide a service in Essex unless commissioned to do so by the council, as it was not sustainable asacommercial venture.

Last week, cabinet members approved recommendations foranew one-year contract with Sodexo.