CONTROVERSIAL plans to put fluoride in tap water in the North West have been delayed after projected costs rocketed.

Supporters of the controversial move, which has been given the go-ahead by NHS bosses on the South Coast, say it would improve East Lancashire’s poor record on tooth decay.

But opponents dispute the claim and have raised other health fears.

NHS North West said it was monitoring the situation in Southampton, where opponents have launched a legal challenge.

But in a report, it said the original costings for the scheme, thought to be about £102million had “increased significantly” and said local health trusts would not be asked to consider it until after the summer, delaying the start of a public consultation exercise.