ANTI-fluoride campaigners have been demonstrating against the controversial plans ahead of a council vote that could call for the public to be given a final say on the scheme.

Demonstrators waving banners and placards gathered outside Southampton Civic Centre this afternoon before the full council was due to hold its monthly meeting.

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Councillors are due to vote on a motion calling on South Central Strategic Health Authority to stage a referendum on the scheme, which it has backed because it believes adding fluoride to tap water will improve city kids' teeth.

Southampton councillors will debate whether the decision to back the plans should actually lie with the almost 200,000 residents who will have to drink fluoridated water.

The Daily Echo is among those who have called for a referendum on the scheme, because of complaints public opinion was ignored when the SHA made its decision.

The proposed scheme will affect two-thirds of Southampton, as well as parts of Eastleigh, Totton, Netley and Rownhams.

Around 20 members of Hampshire Against Fluoridation used today's meeting as a chance to show their opposition to the plans.

Among the banners they paraded was a copy of the open letter they delivered to the SHA last month to mark the anniversary of the board giving fluoridation the green light.

The letter, signed by scientists, politicians and campaigners, details the developments of the last year, including a 15,300-name petition that was handed in to Downing Street, and the launch of a judicial review of the decision.