IT’S an arrogant snub.

Anti-fluoridation campaigners have reacted angrily to health chiefs’ refusal to personally receive a letter urging them to change their minds over the controversial scheme for Southampton and surrounding areas.

They say the move is proof South Central Strategic Health Authority is unwilling to listen to the people.

More than 20 members of Hampshire Against Fluoridation (HAF) travelled to the SHA’s Newbury HQ yesterday to deliver an open letter signed by 170 concerned people. But they were not even allowed in to deliver the letter.

After a debate with security guards, a single protester was eventually allowed inside.

But none of the 12 SHA board members, who a year ago yesterday voted in favour of adding fluoride to the water delivered to almost 200,000 people in and around Southampton, were there to accept the letter.

Instead it was handed to a lowly receptionist.

HAF member Jennifer Godschall said: “The chief executive conveniently found that he had another urgent appointment so wasn’t around to receive our letter, which is a disgrace.

“There are 12 members of the SHA (board). Someone should have been here to receive that letter.

“It was an arrogant snub. They have been arrogant throughout the whole process.”

Anna Peckham, the campaigner allowed inside to deliver the letter, said the board members’ absence shows that public opinion doesn’t matter.

She said: “I think clearly the implications are that they’re not listening to the people, they’ve made that quite clear.”

Nobody from the SHA was available for comment last night.