LOCAL health watchdogs are calling for the return of Nitty Nora, the bug explorer.

Bury Community Health Council has claimed local schools are heading for trouble if urgent action is not taken by the Bury and Rochdale Health Authority to solve the growing problem of headlice.

Results from a recent CHC survey, carried out in 72 schools, revealed that 96 per cent of schools have been troubled by headlice and 86 per cent felt it was a current problem that needed tackling.

Mrs Pat Mason, Bury CHC vice-chairman, said: "It is disgraceful that there are no nurses to visit the schools to check the hair of pupils. I don't why we don't have nurses when other areas seem to. Nothing is being done about this recurring problem."

Fighting for the reinstatement of school health nurses with the health authority officials for more than 12 months, Mrs Mason claims she has had little success.

Bury and Rochdale Health Authority chiefs said they were effectively tackling the issue of headlice infestations by encouraging parents to check their children's hair regularly and educate them more about the problem.

Dr Kevin Snee, director of public health, said: "There is no evidence to show that the school pupil health inspections in the past were successful. It dealt only with a small section of the community and fostered a false sense of security."

He added: "The school nursing service is there to offer advice about headlice detection and treatment and support to parents. Parents can also get guidance from their GP, practice nurse, pharmacist or health visitor."

Mrs Mason said: "I will keep fighting this until we get the result we want. It is a growing problem in the area and something needs to be done about it."

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