SCHOOL meals will cost parents 25p more a week next term, raising the price to £7.50.

Cheshire County Council announced last week that it was to increase the price of its two-course meal and drink in schools by five pence a day after councillors were faced with increased food and wage costs.

The council's education leader, David Rowlands, said: "We regret the five pence rise from the autumn term, but this is due to inflation on the cost of food and wages."

"Parents and carers can rest assured that the Education Catering Service in Cheshire will continue to provide a first-rate, two-course meal five days a week at a cost of £7.50, which is very good news indeed."

But not everyone shared these views, especially Nantwich Town Council chairman, Arthur Moran.

"It has gone up well above the rate of inflation and means it will be very expensive for families who have two or three children going to school.

"One way to keep prices down would be to use local foods and products, and it is something that needs investigating. Using local products would also keep the transport costs down but they go out to tender at the moment.

He added: "What we have to worry about is if the prices keep going up, fewer families will be able to afford them and those who can't will suffer - especially their children."