SIR: Bolton Council deserve to be commended and supported.

I refer to the article on fluoridation some weeks ago. A few years ago, I, my family, and several thousands of Bolton people, signed a petition which was firmly against fluoride being put into the borough's water supply.

Such was the support, that we won, and have had fluoride-free water thankfully since then. We Bolton people are proud of our water, and we hope it will stay that way.

Cllr Bob Howarth and the Bolton Authority are to be commended on their stance in staying as a member of the North West Councils Against Fluoridation Group.

We will not be intimidated by these people who are threatening to sue North West Water.

For many years, it has been possible to buy products containing fluoride. If these people want fluoride so much then surely it is easy enough to purchase the many products available containing fluoride; without forcing others to have it in their drinking water.

A BBC programme not too long ago argued on the long term effects of fluoride.

Mrs M L Appleton

Elgin Street, Bolton

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