Powys County Council has performed a Christmas U-turn after being dubbed Scrooge-like following a decision to scrap the traditional Christmas dinner in schools.

The council had come under fire after announcing it would not provide a traditional Christmas dinner in school canteens and would instead give youngsters a sandwich, pizza finger and breaded chicken or vegetables, claiming it was a necessary cost-cutting measure.

However, after a major backlash, including a petition that attracted around 6,000 signatures, the council has backed down and said it will provide a traditional meal although will charge parents an additional 70p for the Christmas meal.

The U-turn has been welcomed by Cllr Joy Jones, who launched the petition. She said: “I was so pleased to hear on Monday evening that a traditional Christmas dinner will be back on the school menu.

“A great result within 72 hours of the petition being launched.

“As anti-poverty champion for Powys I felt it important as for some children it may be the only traditional Christmas dinner they get as some parents are facing problems financially and can’t afford to have a big traditional dinner this year.”

Montgomeryshire AM Russell George also welcomed the change of heart.

He said: “This will mean that the traditional Christmas dinner will return to its rightful place on the menu of school canteens across Powys this Christmas.

“Just like Ebenezer Scrooge, the county council has come through in the end and responded quickly to the concerns raised by parents, teachers, residents and local children.

“Thank you Powys County Council for making the right decision in the end.”

Cllr Phyl Davies, the Cabinet member for the school catering service, said the initial decision had been taken to cut costs, but that the backlash had led to the council reconsidering, although he said parents would have to foot the additional cost of the Christmas dinner taking the price of the meal up from the usual £2.30 to £3.

He said: “This position was sent to primary school headteachers in the county and that a party-themed menu would be introduced this Christmas within the existing cost of a primary school dinner.

“The public reaction over the last few days has shown how much support there is for a traditional Christmas dinner, which has always been popular in the past.

“We will provide a Christmas dinner for primary school pupils this year, but with a small increase to cover the additional costs.”