HEALTH bosses today renewed their call for fluoride to be put into East Lancashire water after a national league table showed there was still no improvement in children's dental health -- despite several years of schemes aimed at cutting decay.

The dental health of five-year-olds, which is among the worst in the country, has remained static according to the Government's Performance Indicators.

Children locally have an average of 2.6 teeth decayed, filled or missing at five years old -- the same as last year -- compared with a national average of 1.4.

In a report to the East Lancashire Health Authority board meeting management repeated their call for fluoridation in response to the figures.

Peter Lewenz, deputy director of performance management, said: "It is notable that the dental health of five-year-old children has remained static. There is a considerable amount of work being undertaken to improve the dental health of children, for example, the use of fluoride tablets and improving weaning practices.

"The impact of these may be seen in future years although there is little doubt that the most effective way of improving the dental health of children would be fluoridation of the water supply."

The performance indicators were a disappointing end to the organisation, which is due to be abolished at the end of this month and replaced by a strategic health authority for Lancashire and Cumbria and Primary Care Trusts.

Its performance fell below the national average in several areas, with results for life expectancy and deaths from circulatory diseases were all in the lowest band.

Mr Lewenz said: "This is very much a reflection of the underlying health of the population, which is determined predominantly by socio economic factors. Nevertheless performance improvement over the previous report was above the national for mortality from circulatory disease, which is a major cause of death in East Lancashire, and reduction in deaths from suicide, which is also a local priority."

He added: "The report helps to underline a number of areas of weakness, most of which were well known and where there is a need for priority action.

"In the future, these priorities will be taken up by the three primary care trusts which will in future years become the footprint for these performance reports."