ONE of the nation's most controversial issues is to be debated with experts and residents in Rossendale next week.

A member of the local Primary Care Trust will speak in favour of fluoridation, while Jane Jones, campaign director of the Pure Water Association, will speak against.

Dr Peter Lucas, lecturer in bio-ethics at the University of Central Lancashire, will speak on the ethics of the issue.

The Water Act (2003) gives strategic health authorities the power to tell water companies to put fluoride in water to improve dental health.

Councillor Philip Young, Rossendale Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee chairman, said: "This is a first-class opportunity for us all to influence a major debate. The wider community deserves a say on a matter like this."

The debate will take place in the council chamber at the Astoria, Rawtenstall, at 7.30pm on Tuesday.