HEALTH care watchdogs in Burnley, opposed to fluoride in water supplies, have agreed to debate the issue again.

The Community Health Council decision follows a policy statement by East Lancashire Health Authority pledging continued pressure for fluoridation to protect children's teeth.

CHC chairman Coun Frank Clifford of Pendle said that although the council had voted in the past to totally oppose fluoridation by North West Water, it was only right that in continuing debate the issue should be looked at and discussed again.

But in the light of widespread public and council opposition to the move, he believed health authority chiefs had little hope of success. "They have more chance of completing the Grand National course on each other's backs," he told the CHC. "But I believe we should hear what they have to say, discuss it and make a decision again."

The fluoride question is raised by the health authority in its new leaflet summarising health plans for the district in the coming year.

The document states that despite major promotions, dental health in children in East Lancashire remains the worst in the country.

It adds: "The health authority believes that the fluoridation of water is essential if this situation is to be improved and will continue to press North West Water to fluoridate the water supply, while taking other preventative measures to try to improve dental health in the children in East Lancashire."

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