THE Vale Council has decided senior citizen groups and similar organisations in the Vale will have their annual Christmas lunch grant provision axed this year.

The Tory administration will stop the £3 per head grant after the Labour-Llantwit First administration reduced it to that sum, from the £4.25 original cost per head, in 2015/16.

The Vale Council then said the total lunch provision cost amounted to £8,700.

Barry Town Council (BTC) then made up the difference of £1.25.

But Barry senior citizens will not miss out after the BTC stepped in to offer the full £4.25.

A Vale council spokesman said: “The council aims to encourage initiatives that seek to support vulnerable and isolated people on a frequent basis through regular contact, rather than those that involve just one meeting throughout the year. With the aim of encouraging groups to be more sustainable, schemes that facilitate regular meetings can apply for funding through the Strong Communities Grant Fund, while money for one-off Christmas events is available from other sources.”

Barry Town Council clerk Emily Forbes said BTC was pleased to continue its financial assistance so that older residents in Barry who are still able to enjoy their Christmas meal.

She said: “This has been agreed at the rate of £4.25 per individual. Grants are available for Barry residents who are members of voluntary organisations whose activities may include, among others, the provision of meals for the elderly or other appropriate seasonal activities for their members.”

Closing date for BTC applications is Friday, December 15. To apply, email info@barrytowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01446 704920.