Southampton council leader promises fluoride referendum

11:50am Thursday 16th May 2013 in NewsBy James Franklin, Political reporter

Buy this photo »Simon Letts, new leader of Southampton City Council. Order no: 16410070

THE public will decide on fluoride.

That is among the pledges of the new man at the helm of SouthamptonCity Council.

Personally, Cllr Simon Letts is in favour of adding the chemical to the tap water of 200,000 people in the city and surrounding areas in a bid to improve the health of children’s teeth.

However he says that if and when the controversial decision becomes the council’s responsibility, he will hold a referendum.

He told the Daily Echo: “My personal view is clear, I am personally persuaded by the health arguments for fluoridation.

“But I am certainly in favour of the public having the chance to choose and should the decision be the council’s, then we would hold a public referendum.”..........