A REPORT which says fluoridation of water is an effective way of reducing tooth decay has been welcomed by the region's top health body.

Cumbria and Lancashire Strategic Health Authority has also welcomed the government's decision to study the implications of the Medical Research Council's report and offer guidance to the NHS.

Fluoridation was thrust back on to the agenda locally last month by Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Primary Care Trust.

It discussed whether to lobby to have the chemical added to water supplies in the light of a new survey which showed East Lancashire to be 94th out of 99 health authorities in the decay table.

The trust was due to debate it at its next board meeting on Thursday but it has been put back until later in the year to allow time for an anti-fluoridation campaigner to speak to board members.

Director of public health for Cumbria and Lancashire Dr Ann Hoskins, said until the Department of Health issued guidelines, there could be no change in the authority's position.

She said: "We know from more than 70 years of research that fluoridation is a safe and effective means of preventing tooth decay in individuals and in reducing inequalities in dental health.

"It's a proven fact that children who grow up in fluoridated areas have stronger teeth, fewer fillings and less instances of painful toothache.

"Yet sections of the community continue to have concerns about fluoride and it is in the public interest that these concerns should be fully investigated." Health minister Hazel Blears said: "There is nothing in this report to suggest any reason why water fluoridation should not be considered as a public health measure.

"I have therefore asked the chief medical officer, Sir Liam Donaldson and the chief dental officer, Dame Margaret Seward to advise on the implications of the report for government policy on fluoridation."

A study by York University in 2000, confirmed the beneficial effects of water fluoridation on dental cavities but also highlighted the association with dental fluorosis, a condition affecting the appearance of teeth.

The York review also concluded that little high quality research had been carried out on the broader question of fluoride and health.