SCROOGE may be in charge of the menu in Powys schools this Christmas.

A petition started by Powys County Councillor Joy Jones, has been signed (to date) by nearly 6,000 people who are annoyed with the the festive fayre that children in Powys could be eating.

The menu which has annoyed so many is: a filled sandwich, Margarita pizza finger, breaded coated chicken or vegetable nuggets, and carrot and cucumber sticks, strawberry jelly and shortbread biscuit or fresh fruit.

Cllr Jones who represents Newtown East, said: "Parents are very upset, disappointed and angry.

"School Christmas dinner is about so much more than just a roast dinner it is a day when the whole school comes together and there is a party atmosphere, in some schools staff serve the children their dinner and sit and eat with them.

"Children are all very excited and it is one of the best days of the school year.

"Many children have sandwiches throughout the year but often this is the one meal parents pay for them to have.

"On a serious note for some children it may be the only traditional Christmas dinner they get as some parent are facing problems financially and can't afford to have big traditional dinner this year.

"And with the introduction of universal credit this could be a struggle for some families.

"Sadly in Powys, there are families in real poverty. "

Labour group leader, Cllr Mathew Dorrance, said: "I think the Council has made a mistake and I'm urging Cllr Phyl Davies to intervene to ensure schools can offer a traditional Christmas lunch this year before it's too late.

"For a number of children, the school dinner is the most nutritious meal of the day and if your service continues to push ahead with it's proposals these children will miss out."

Sources say that the issue has been one of intense debate at County Hall as staff and councillors have received criticism from Montgomeryshire AM Russell George and outraged parents via social media.

Powys County Council has not yet responded to the complaints.