MANY thanks to Brian Derbyshire for his well constructed letter. I support his dental health message and the way that he has raised his children. It would be great if all parents were as well motivated.

Unfortunately, this is not the case. Educational messages on teenage smoking, binge drinking, drugs, crime and safe sex have all been tried - and things keep getting worse.

Perhaps after eight years in power David Crausby is proud of his record?

The dental profession in Bolton is showing a commitment to NHS dentistry by co-operation with an excellent Primary Care Trust.

We seek no financial gain from supporting this campaign.

Instead of ranting like Old Testament prophets about mass poisoning, perhaps Bolton councillors would like to publish any scientific evidence of the harmful effects from drinking fluoridated water on the elderly populations of Northumbria or the West Midlands.

A referendum is unlikely to deliver a Yes, because the main beneficiaries are children who cant vote.

Basically, it boils down to whether freedom of choice for the individual is more important than the considerable gain in the quality of life for children in the highest decay rate areas, ie: Great Lever, Farnworth and Rumworth, who are also by all measures the least privileged members of our community.

Inequality of health is a serious issue and it is getting worse.

We believe that this important public health measure is needed now more than ever!

Christopher Brooks

President Bolton Dental Society