A RESEARCH project into lead levels in children's milk teeth has been put on hold after North West Water refused to pay the lions' share of the cost.

Blackburn Council had hoped the water company would join with the council and the health authority to fund research in the borough where lead levels in tapwater samples taken in certain areas are alarmingly high.

But NWW has refused to co-operate after finding that instead of being asked to pay an equal share, it was expected to contribute twice as much as the other two parties could find between them.

In a letter to the council's public services committee which meets tomorrow, NWW says it has made progress on a pilot project to encourage householders to replace their own lead pipework.

It feels that in terms of impact on public health, this would be a better way to invest chargepayers' money. The letter adds it is investing £300,000 to help customers replace pipes.

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