FLUORIDATION is to be debated by experts and residents in Rossendale next week.

Rossendale Council's overview and scrutiny committee is to offer the debate to the public at an open meeting.

The Water Bill being considered by Parliament gives strategic health authorities the power to tell water companies to put fluoride in water supplies, which it is claimed would improve dental health.

Committee chairman, Coun Philip Young, said: "Strategic health authorities have to consult widely before fluoridation can be introduced. This is a first-class opportunity for us all to influence a major debate.

"The wider community deserves a say on an issue like this."

The debate will take place in the council chamber at the Astoria, in Rawtenstall, at 7.30pm on Tuesday, January 6.