SIR — I have read with some concern letters from various groups and organisations criticising the county council on the changes which are being planned to the council's involvement with the Meals on Wheels service. Your readers may be interested to know that Somerset County Council and the WRVS have been working together over the last two years to find ways in which the WRVS could expand to ensure a seven day a week meals service is available across the whole of Somerset. Reluctantly we have both agreed that this is not achievable and Somerset County Council is moving on to introduce a new meals service. The new arrangements will deliver: l Meals seven days a week. l Daily visits for those who need extra help. l A menu offering wide choice. l Greater flexibility about what and when to eat. The new service will involve members of the public ordering their choice of food from a frozen food supplier. Supplies will be delivered regularly and the food supplier will help with access to freezers and microwaves or steamers for those that do not already have these in their home. The supplier is already active in Somerset and many people have chosen for themselves to use this service rather than meals on wheels. They are reliable and offer a good quality service. Anyone who needs extra help on a daily basis will get visits from a home care worker to prepare and serve the food and help with ordering as required. Cllr Justin Robinson, portfolio holder for adult and community services, has said: "Having access to meals seven days a week wherever you live in Somerset is really important if we are to help older people and people with disabilities to live independently in their own homes. "People have told us that above all else they want a service which is reliable, available seven days a week and offers a choice of menu and some choice about when to eat. "The new arrangements offer real choice and flexibility for individuals who want to receive the service. Everyone who needs help to prepare food will get long-term daily help from home care staff.' Alan Gloak, Chairman, Somerset County Council.