BOLTON has a supply of water, which is known for its softness and its pleasant taste. Yet every few years 'experts' keep trying to force us to agree to the addition of a chemical (fluoride) which the majority of Bolton people do not want.

We have heard all the arguments for and against its value, and have decided 'no'. But this is not good enough for these experts. They insist that they know best.

The latest idea is to persuade us that the West Midlands are benefiting from better water than ours. Well, having stayed with my sisters in the West Midlands, I can tell you that the water there is awful. Their kettles and teapots are coated with calcium deposits. In fact in one area of Halesowen, the water is full of impurities that my sister has had to buy a water filtering machine so she can purify it, even before she will boil it in her kettle. The water comes out of the tap cloudy, and remains cloudy when left in a container to settle.

Surely we should not be forced to have water like that! The only chemicals we want added to our water are those necessary for making it safe to drink.

Mrs C A Wilson

Milford Road

Great Lever