FRODSHAM’S traditional over-70s lunch treats the elderly ‘like paupers’ and the annual event should be scrapped, said a town councillor.

The autumn get-together, costing £3,500, has been organised by the town council for more than 60 years.

But now members claim that support is growing to ditch the now poorly-attended event and instead issue Frodsham’s 1,200 residents over the age of 70 with £5 shopping vouchers to support local shops and businesses – an idea first suggested by the amenities committee five years ago.

Newly-elected councillor John Nield told the town council this week he had been a guest at an over-70s social and said: “I didn’t like it and can understand why a lot of people don’t want to go.

“You don’t want to be treated like a pauper. I don’t see it as a good thing and I wouldn’t go again.”

New councillor Ruth Redhead said she attended one OAP social to support high school pupils helping at the event, and said ‘it seemed very pleasant’.

“But I also saw groups of people sitting around who didn’t particularly engage in what was going on, and there’s so much more of our community that’s not part of it.

“And I can’t think of anything more ‘not me’ than going to something like this. I would find it extremely uncomfortable and I suspect a lot of people feel exactly the same.”

Veteran councillor Frank Pennington said the number of people attending the annual social had dwindled from more than 400 to just 154 last year.

“We are not being fair to residents who choose not to come and it’s time we had a change. People are already telling me they would rather have the vouchers.”

Cllr Lynn Riley said: “It’s arrogant of the town council to say to people that sitting down to a meal with us once a year is a take it or leave it scheme. It would be nice to come up with something better that benefits more people.”

Cllr Kyle McGregor argued the social should go ahead this year and he urged more councillors to attend before deciding whether to scrap it.

He said: “I think this is one of the best things we do. It’s an opportunity for isolated people to meet up with friends and have a good time. Seeing the smiles on people’s faces is fantastic.”

Mayor Andrew Dawson said: “I agree fellowship is very important for some people and if some want a party, we could perhaps facilitate that in some way through a voucher scheme. It’s about doing something more meaningful for more people.”

Cllr Dawson is checking if local businesses are willing to support the proposed voucher scheme, and he is keen to know what residents think of the proposal before a final decision is made at next month’s council meeting.