THE centrepiece of a planned protest at the Labour Party conference by anti-asylum centre campaigners has been controversially blocked.

Members of the Daedalus Action Group, fighting plans for an asylum centre in Leigh-on-the-Solent, wanted to hand in an open letter at the party conference.

But in a letter from the Prime Minister's office they have been told that no Labour representative is willing to accept the letter.

Instead the group has been advised to give it to a police officer who will pass it on.

John Beavis, Daedalus Action Group chairman, said: "It's absolutely disgusting. We would like to have a proper official from the Labour party to meet us.

"I think we have been treated very badly and here is another example of what the government think of us. They can't even be bothered to send a proper Labour party representative to meet us."

The letter will also be signed by leaders of the Newton and Bicester action groups that are both fighting plans for asylum centres on their doorstep.

Gosport MP Peter Viggers said: "I regard this as an insult. It is not the job of the police to receive petitions on behalf of the government.

"I have spoken to Lee Ward councillor Graham Burgess and John Beavis to urge them to demand that someone more suitable should receive the letter which is so vital to the three areas involved.

"I am extremely disappointed that Tony Blair has failed to respond and hope that Downing Street will review the decision and permit a more appropriate person to receive the letter, reflecting the magnitude of the concerns of local people."

Scores of protesters from the three action groups are planning to make their views known outside the annual conference on Sunday.