PENDLE Council has reaffirmed its long-standing opposition to the fluoridation of water.

At the full council meeting, members unanimously agreed to oppose any moves by the Strategic Health Authority to add fluoride to the supply as a means of reducing tooth decay. The council first adopted its anti-fluoridation stance in November, 1989 and Coun. Tony Beckett said: “Unless any councillor had a different view we should go along with the recommendation to reaffirm our opposition.”

The East Lancashire Primary Care Trust board was due to decide whether to ask the SHA to explore the posibility of fluoridation at a meeting in Clayton-le-Moors today.

The debate began with Coun. David Whipp asking for standing orders to be waived to allow Friends of the Earth campaigner Brian Jackson to speak.

Mr Jackson was not present, but had earlier sent an email to councillors asking them to stand by their earlier position.

Mr Jackson has spoken at previous meetings on the matter but was refused permission on this occasion – something he says will have to be investigated further.

He said: “The result is welcome and I thank the council for its debate. Pendle, Hyndburn, Rossendale and Ribble Valley Councils have all now rejected fluoridation, making it increasingly unlikely that the Government’s intentions will ever see the light of day.”

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