Charmaine CrowtherParents of children attending Penhill Primary School were concerned about the issue. Many agreed it was vital pupils had a hot school meal.

Charmaine Crowther, 24, of Grafton Road, whose son George, six, goes to the school, said: "A lot of people on benefits who have free meals want their children to have hot food. Packed lunches are not good enough they're not a filling meal."

Carly House, 23, of Burbage Road, whose son Cameron Dolloway, five, is a pupil, said: "It's ridiculous to stop hot meals, especially in winter time. My son has hot meals in the winter because it's good for him. It means parents who work don't have to cook dinner when they get home."

John Bennett, 42, of Hilmarton Avenue, whose daughter Kylie, seven, goes to the school, said: "You can't take hot dinners away. They need a hot meal inside them in the cold. "

Kerri Lovegrove, 24, of Chippenham Walk, whose daughter Aimee, six, is a pupil, said: "It would be a shame if they went. My daughter has hot meals, and it cuts down on work when you get home. They fill her up a lot more than sandwiches."