HYNDBURN Council is insisting water in the borough should not be fluoridated.

The authority's cabinet yesterday reaffirmed its stance adopted in 1987.

The move follows the Water Act 2003, which, when operational, will change the powers for adding fluoride to drinking water.

Pro-campaigners argue it will help improve dental health in the North-West, which has one of the worst records for tooth decay in the country.

But opponents say it is just the same as adding chemicals to the water.

Steve Todd, chief environmental services officer, said: "The council opposes the fluoridation of water and our stance remains unchanged."