9:24am Wednesday 10th June 2009
By Jon Reeve
THEY feel their views have been ignored and so wanted to make their voices heard where it matters most.
And, with 15,000 names echoing their anger, campaigners fighting controversial plans to add fluoride to Hampshire tap water supplies yesterday knocked on the world’s most famous front door demanding action.
Having visited the Prime Minister’s home in Downing Street, they marched to the Department of Health carrying banners and even a decorated umbrella, before treading the hallowed corridors of power in Parliament urging MPs to back their cause.
Hampshire Against Fluoridation head to London
The 30 members of Hampshire Against Fluoridation received an unexpected boost when Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead told the All Paliamentary Group Against Fluoridation that he too believes it must be put on hold because so many people are against it.
Despite both being personally in favour of fluoridation to improve children’s teeth, his calls for a rethink mirrored those of fellow city MP John Denham in yesterday’s Daily Echo.
It means all parliamentary representatives for the parts of Southampton, E a s t l e i g h , Totton, Netley and Rownhams affected by the fluoridation plans are now united in saying South Central Strategic Health Authority’s decision should be reviewed.
For the campaigners who had made the trip to London, it was news they were delighted to hear.
“It’s been really worthwhile,”
said HAF member Stephen Peckham.
“Not only did we get the chance to take 15,000 local people’s signatures up to 10 Downing Street, to show their disgust at what is happening, but we forged some really good alliances and this is a platform for taking things forward.
“Particularly, Alan was saying he’s willing to work together with the other MPs to bring this to the attention of the Department of Health and put pressure on the SHA.”
Health chiefs at the SHA unanimously backed fluoridation for nearly 200,000 homes earlier this year, in a bid to improve Southampton’s poor dental health record. The decision came after a 14-week public consultation, in which the SHA says it listened to residents and examined all the scientific evidence as it was legally required to.
But opponents say the public will was ignored.
Almost three-quarters of respondents living in the affected area were against fluoridation, while 38 per cent opposed it in a separate phone survey, compared to 32 per cent in favour.
“I don’t think the balance that was arrived at by the SHA actually stands in line with the legislation,” said Dr Whitehead.
“Therefore it would be a good idea for the implementation at least to be put on hold until there is a better balance.”
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