CAMPAIGNERS have branded the Government a "dictatorship" following moves that could give health authorities the power to fluoridate drinking water.

The North West Councils Against Fluoridation group has vowed to step up its campaign against "mass medication" of tap water.

The fighting talk comes in the wake of news that amendments to the Water Bill, which could be introduced later this month, will see the responsibility for treating water shift from the hands of water companies to strategic health authorities.

Lowick parish councillor and information officer for North West Councils Against Fluoridation Liz Vaughan is outraged by the plans.

"Nobody has the right to medicate our water, especially when it would be against a lot of people's wishes. It is an infringement of our human rights. If people value their freedom they will fight against this. It is dictatorship."

Coun Vaughan said the group, which represents around 28 councils in the North West, would be speaking to MPs and pushing for a meeting with the Health Minister.

Anti-fluoride campaigners fear the chemical is linked to health problems including mottled teeth, hip fractures and hyperthyroidism.

But consultant in dental public health for Morecambe Bay Primary Care Trust Eric Rooney disagreed. He said it would be an effective tool in cutting Morecambe Bay's tooth decay levels which were "approximately double the national target."

In Morecambe Bay, the average five-year-old has 2.03 decayed, missing or filled teeth the national target is 1.

"Fluoridation is one way of dealing with the problem of

tooth disease, particularly with children, and also in areas of social depravation or places which have high levels of dental disease.

"There is obvious concern among some parts of the population about the effects of fluoridation but extensive medical research has been carried out including two major reviews by York University and the Medical research Council, both of which have not found any reason to be concerned about fluoridation," said Mr Rooney.

Press officer for Cumbria and Lancashire Strategic Health Authority Michelle Guinness said if the changes did

come about the issue of fluoridation would go to public consultation before any decision was made.

It is believed fluoride swallowed in water during the formation of teeth becomes incorporated into enamel making the tooth less prone to decay.

May 16, 2003 10:00