Should we be pleased that Channel 4 is now to air just one episode of their controversial programme Immigration Street, as this paper reports today.

Filmed in Southanpton’s Derby Road, the programme was originally planned as a six-part follow-up to the equally controversial Benefit Street series.

Now, after street protests and representations made to the film company, and following reported threats and one alleged act of violence which is being investigated, the company have announced they will show just the one episode later this month.

The change is being hailed as a result for people power. Yet the protests could yet backfire. By condensing the film to one hour-long episode the programme may not show a balanced view of life in the community that protesters hope it will.

And we should take no comfort if the programmes have been curtailed due to threats and violence. Those who wish to have a voice should be permitted to say their piece.

This paper cannot condone the supression of freedom of expression even if it shares the concerns of what stance the Immigration Street programme will take.

Now we must wait and see if promises made by the film makers to show a fair and balanced representation of life in Southampton prove honest.