COUNCILLORS have voted a resounding “no’’ to plans to add fluoride to the region’s water supply.

Speaking at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, members from the Conservative, Labour and Independent parties all voted against the plans put forward by the Strategic Health Authority.

Hyndburn Council had been asked for its views on the subject by the East Lancashire Primary Care Trust which is helping to carry out a consultation process.

Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: “For a number of years this council has opposed the poisoning of the water supply by adding fluoride.

“Nobody ever seems to take ‘no’ for an answer. Someone is back at the table asking us the same question again. How many parts of the word ‘no’ do these people not understand?”

Also speaking against the plans was Linda Forrest, chairman of Fight Against Fluoride in Hyndburn, Blackburn and Ribble Valley.

She said: “The dental health of children is a concern to me as it is to others. But fluoride is not the answer.

“If fluoride is in the water it’s impossible to control how much we, our children and our pets are consuming.

“Our main concern is not having the freedom to choose.

“Doctors, nurses and health professionals cannot force medication or treatment on us; they can only advise.

“It makes more sense to tackle the causes of dental decay rather than the symptoms. Individuals have the right to take fluoride as a supplement if they wish. Forcing it upon us violates our human rights and infringes our right to choose.”

Councillor Britcliffe said he would write to leaders of neighbouring councils by the end of the week to tell them of Hyndburn’s decision. He also promised to take the matter to the next Pennine Lancashire leaders’ meeting.