FLUORIDE should not be put in tap water, a poll by a Bolton MP has revealed.

David Crausby said 95.8 per cent of people who replied to a survey in his Bolton North-east constituency were against fluoridation.

And he is backing Bolton Council's promise to have a referendum over the issue, despite the health industry's claims that mass medication' would improve dental health.

Mr Crausby said: "The survey only went out to people in my consituency but thanks to the Bolton News reporting the fact that I was asking people for their views on fluoride, I have received letters from across Bolton and even from Bury and Manchester.

"People have even been calling in at my constituency office to register their concern."

Almost 700 residents returned a voting slip in the MP's most recent Parliamentary Report, which goes to every household in his constituency.

They were asked to tick a box saying if they agreed or not with fluoride being added to Bolton's tap water.

Mr Crausby said the vote, and any comments written on the slip, will be given to the health secretary, Alan Johnson, who in February pledged £42 million for areas who wanted fluoridation.

At present all the North-west Primary Care Trusts, which fund GP and dental care, are deciding their position through a Fluoridation Evaluation Group.

Those in favour say it would help improve on dental health while those against say it takes away people's choice and could be linked to cancer and bone problems.

Mr Crausby said he wanted everyone's opinion to be heard.

He said: "Opposing fluoridation is very difficult especially when you are up against the heavily financed pro-fluoride lobby.

"I don't want the local health big-wigs saying it's in people's best interests without giving them time to express their opinion.

"I don't argue against the health benefits, I argue simply on the right for individuals to decide what medication they have.

"Vaccinnations are very good for you but you wouldn't dream of injecting people by force so why is it okay to force fluoride into people's bodies in a different way?"

Conservative councillor Andy Morgan, who represents Bolton Council on the North West Councils Against Fluoridation committee said he was not surprised by the result of the poll.

He said: "Most people who have contacted me are against it.

"And if the people of Bolton say no', that will be the position of the council."