A GROUP calling for a full public inquiry into the fluoridation of water is hoping for support from the people of East Lancashire.

The Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley branch of Fight Against Fluoridation is looking for volunteers to help collect petitions.

Four days of signature-collecting are planned in Clitheroe, Blackburn, Accrington and Darwen between July and September. Linda Forrest, chairman of the Fight Against Fluoridation, said: "The British Fluoridation Society are pressing the Government to amend the Water Fluoridation Bill to force water companies to add fluoride to our water supply. "In response to this, the National Pure Water Association are calling for a full, independent public inquiry into the issues surrounding water fluoridation, so that all relevant scientific disciplines and relevant legal and constitutional authorities can be brought together to rigorously examine all the evidence.

"They have asked us if we can help.

"It is very important that both sides of the fluoridation issue are examined to enable an unbiased, informed judgment to be made on this subject." Fight Against Fluoridation believes fluoridation is unnecessary, wastes money and infringes the individual's right to choose.

Signatures will be collected on July 4 in New Market Street, Clitheroe; August 8 in Market Way, Blackburn; August 22 in Broadway, Accrington and September 5 at Darwen Market.

Anyone willing to help collect signatures should contact Mrs Forrest on 01254 246662.

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