Fluoridation plans scrapped

Controversial plans to introduce fluoride into the water supply of southern Hampshire have been scrapped.

In a statement released yesterday, Public Health England, said: "Public Health England (PHE) will take no further action to implement a proposed water fluoridation scheme that would have served around 160,000 residents in Southampton and a further 35,000 people in neighbouring parts of south west Hampshire.

"PHE endorses the efficacy and safety of water fluoridation in reducing children's tooth decay but does not wish to proceed without the backing of Southampton City Council the local authority where most of those who would benefit from fluoridation live. Both Hampshire County Council and Southampton City Council oppose the scheme."

Full details of the decision can be found at BBC news http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-29803864 and the Daily Echo http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-29803864

Commenting on the decision Cllr David Harrison, Liberal Democrat spokesman on Health at Hampshire County Council, said "I would like to place on record thanks to others who have been involved in this campaign, especially the lobby group "Hampshire Against Fluoride", all of the individuals who kept writing letters to the press, our local MP, Dr Julian Lewis and fellow Councillors at Town, District & County who voted and spoke against the plans."

"It's going to take a while for this news to sink in properly. It's a battle that I have been closely involved in over many years, involving trips to London, speaking in the Houses of Parliament, collecting and handing in petitions to Downing Street, speaking at local meetings, preparing statements for the press, speaking at public meetings, introducing the topic on Council agendas, holding health officials to account. We have won! It's really important because it matters not just in this area of the country but signals to other health officials that it cannot be imposed elsewhere."

Among the authorities opposed to the plan was Test Valley Borough Council. Len Gates, who led the opposition at Test Valley said "I am delighted with this decision. The plan was opposed by over 70% of local residents and was effectively forced medication of the whole population. We argued at the time that fluoridation was a costly and hazardous over- reaction to a localised medical problem. The correct response is targetted action promoting dental health and encouraging greater use of fluoride toothpastes. Congratulations to everyone who has campaigned to prevent this scheme being implemented."