Board decides against fluoridation of water

The Cromwell Community Board yesterday decided not to fluoridate the town's water.

Fluoridation was raised at the board meeting yesterday but board members decided against it even though residents had voted in favour of it in a referendum held with the local body elections last year.

Board chairman Neil Gillespie said that when council submissions on the matter were heard earlier this year there was supporting evidence both for and against it.

Mr Gillespie said he needed to be convinced and the referendum had not provided a balanced way for people to reach a decision.

Cr Gordon Stewart said finding out the natural water in Cromwell had three parts per million of fluoride anyway and the recommended level was only seven parts per million, he could not see any reason to add any more.

Golf course The bulk of yesterday's meeting was held behind closed doors for a discussion on a proposal to buy part of the Cromwell Golf Club.

Board members discussed the feasibility study on the proposal and a decision will be released today.

The club earlier this year proposed the sale of its nine-hole area to the board for between $4.5 million and $5.2 million to free up capital, allow for upgrading of the clubhouse and course, and to ensure the course remained a reserve in perpetuity, the club to lease back the course at a percentage of the capital value each year.