BOLTON could be one step closer to having fluoride added to its water after health bosses vowed to campaign for its introduction.

Bosses at the town's NHS Primary Care Trust say they want to improve the borough's dental health record, which is one of the worst in the country.

They are to put their case to the Greater Manchester Strategic Health Authority, which will be responsible for carrying out the consultation, before fluoride can be introduced.

Jan Hutchinson, director of public health for the Primary Care Trust, said: "We would like the Strategic Health Authority to go out to consultation so we can find out what the public think.

"The dental health of our children is poor, despite the work we've done to encourage healthy diets and to encourage children to clean their teeth using toothpaste containing fluoride.

"The fact remains that far too many five-year-olds have tooth decay and missing teeth and fluoride in the water would see a vast improvement, which is why we plan to lobby the strategic health authority."

Under the Fluoridation (Consultation) Act, which became law in 2004, water companies are obliged to agree to requests from a strategic health authority to fluoridate water but only after that authority has carried out widespread consultation. In 2005, the Department of Health wrote to regional health leaders telling them how to use their new powers.

Chris Brooke, president of Bolton's Dental Society, believes fluoridation of water could dramatically reduce dental health problems.

"It's a good idea for the primary care trust to lobby for fluoridation because it will prove to be of great benefit to children and adults and produce an improvement in the dental health of Bolton."

But Horwich councillor Bob Ronson is opposed to fluoridation and has criticised the primary care trust for their plans to lobby regional health chiefs.

"I'm strongly opposed to fluoridation. They say it's good for children's teeth, but I concerned about the long-term effects," he said.

"It's mass medication. The Primary Care Trust is wrong and should consult with the population of Bolton to see what they say."

Bolton's under-fives have some of the worst teeth in the country.