8:37am Wednesday 13th August 2008
By Steve Dancey
AN issue that split public opinion in Andover half a century ago is to be debated afresh in the local council chamber.
The issue is fluoridation and will be up for public discussion as Test Valley Borough Councillor Cllr Alan Dowden wants the authority to make its position clear before any attempt is made to introduce the controversial chemical to water supplies in this area.
"It's no good being reactive, because sometimes it's a bit too late by then," said the councillor. "I felt it was wise to get into the council first because sometimes a decision can be made before you are aware of it, and all of a sudden something is imposed on people."
Hampshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) has insisted it has no plans to extend the scheme outside Southampton, Eastleigh and Portsmouth to other parts of the region, including Test Valley.
Mr Dowden's motion calls on the council to say, should the PCT change its mind, it is opposed to fluoridation until more evidence is available about feared side effects, including bone, thyroid, and fertility problems.
"I've read quite a lot about it," he said.
"I'm not an expert, but when one expert tells you one thing and another expert tells you another, that gives me concerns."
Mr Dowden is expected to move his motion at the full council meeting on 10 September.
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