Council bosses have been challenged to a taste test after complaints over the standard of Hounslow’s meals on wheels service.

Complaints flooded in to council offices when Wiltshire contractor Apetito first took over the delivery service, now called Home Meals, with diners complaining about a poor standard of service, cold meals and no fruit option.

Members of Hounslow Council Disability Community Forum (DCF) demanded answers from Apetito at a meeting on Tuesday – but the contractor refused to attend. The company said it would instead send representatives to meet the group in December, armed with a sample menu.

Despite the council confirming some people had stopped using the service since it was contracted out, one couple said Apetito had improved rapidly in the past two years.

Ivy Chatt, 85, and her husband George, 88, a diabetic, of Marshall Close, Hounslow, started getting Home Meals four years ago after she went into hospital for a hip replacement.

She said: “When Hounslow Council did the handover the level of service went really downhill. The people delivering the food were quite busy, one lady couldn’t move so fast and we were getting our meals late and there were some issues with the temperature of the food.

“But I am happy to say the meals are much better now, they are pretty hot and the staff are extremely good. I can’t stand for a long time to cook a full meal so we need the service.”

But DCF member Margaret Krowicki said although the service was showing signs of improvement it needed urgent council input and often customers who use the service had no other choice.

She said: “It was disapointing Apetito did not come to our meeting but it has assured us it will come next time and it will be good to see the councillors and officials trying out the meals.

“For some people they have no choice and it is important to keep a close eye on the service, even if those who complain just leave.”

Each meal costs £4.50 with a main course and a dessert and lead member for adult social care will be tasting the meals.

A council spokeswoman said: “All our external contracts are subject to regular monitoring of service both by the contractor and the council.

“We look forward to continuing our productive partnership with Apetito, and to hearing more feedback.”