HEALTH bosses have been attacked over fresh plans to add fluoride to the town's water supply, re-opening a controversial 38-year-old debate.

A Bolton MP and councillor have criticised the move by regional health bosses to make fluoridation of the North-west's tap water a priority.

They claim there are still serious question marks over the use of the chemical and it should only be added to our supplies if the public asks for it in a referendum.

The last time the town voted, in 1968, a massive 82 per cent said no to the plans. Bolton was the only town in the country to hold such a vote.

Health bosses say mass medication is the only way to reduce tooth decay in children under five by half.

The Greater Manchester Health Authority knows it faces a battle. It said that it would need to "overcome substantial barriers prior to successful implementation".

It is waiting for the results of a medical research study, with the outcome expected in three months time. If the dossier recommends that further research is required, the region will be put forward as an "obvious candidate" for a pilot programme.

But the news has caused anger among campaigners against fluoridation, including Bolton North East MP David Crausby.

Mr Crausby said: "It is not up to the Greater Manchester Health Authority to make this decision. I will be asking questions in parliament and will be pushing for a referendum in Bolton.

"There should be widespread consultation with the public, not just people who regard themselves as speakers for the public.

"If they say attitudes have changed, then test it -- hold another referendum, then we will know for sure. Let the people decide."

Derek Schoular, chairman of Bolton's dental committee, has welcomed plans for fluoride to be added to the water. He said most dentists wanted to see a reduction in tooth decay, which he described as "rife" in Bolton, with most five-year-olds having an average of three bad teeth.

In fluoridated Birmingham, children have only one bad tooth by the time they are five, claims Mr Schoular.

He added: "The Local Dental Committee fully support fluoride in the water. We want to see the end of tooth decay on the scale that we are seeing it in Birmingham."

Bolton Council is part of the North West Councils Against Fluoridation. Liz Vaughan, from the campaign, said: "I know the people of Bolton will want to fight this. There is stacks of evidence to suggest that fluoride causes damage to our health."

Cllr Bob Ronson said fluoride was highly toxic and mistakes could be made.

He said: "The water board have refused to put it in the water because the Government will not cover them if there is any possible damage. I think that says it all."