In February, the announcement that the meal-on-wheels service for Newport's most vulnerable residents was under threat was given a cold reception - but the news that it now looks set to continue received a much warmer response yesterday.

The man with the final say on whether Newport council continues with Meals on Wheels, says he has a lot to consider.

Councillor Paul Cockeram, the cabinet member for adult and housing services, is tasked with deciding whether to implement the recommendations made yesterday by the council's scrutiny forum.

In a shock U-turn councillors recommended the WRVS-run scheme should continue, with meal deliveries increased from twice a week to five times a week.

The move was a victory for the Argus' campaign to save the service, which was backed by volunteers and city residents.

Speaking to the Argus after the meeting, Councillor Cockeram said: "I am a democratic man and I have got to listen to what people have to say.

"I also have to consider all the ramifications. If I go ahead with the forum's recommendation I have to make cuts elsewhere. There is a lot to consider."

The move followed an in-depth review of the situation, after which the scrutiny forum for adult services were given four options.

They could:

* Keep the service in its present state.

* Replace it with a private frozen meals provider.

* Introduce a Good Neighbour Scheme as well as a frozen meals provider.

* Keep the service for only those identified as being in need of it.

In the end, the majority of forum councillors decided the WRVS-run scheme should continue, but only for the 109 people identified as being in need of it.

The review's assessment process had flagged up 59 people deemed no longer to need Meals on Wheels, and they will now be informed their meals are to stop.

The total cost of the service is estimated at £64,000. The council subsidy per meal will be £2.45.

But social services boss Ellis Williams warned that his department would be asking the cabinet for an extra £33,000 to cover the cost of the move.

The council had originally budgeted for just £31,000 to pay for extra home care for the most vulnerable when it stopped the Meals on Wheels.

Yesterday's decision now leaves a £33,000 funding gap.

Councillor Cockeram said he was disappointed the forum did not seize the opportunity to introduce the Good Neighbours Scheme.

He said: "To everyone I spoke to the main issue was the social contact and not the meals. The scheme was a great chance to help a lot of older people."