The row over the so-called Immigration Street is only a few days old, but the arguments seem well-established.

Put simply, should Southampton play host to a new television series by the same company that created the Channel 4 series Benefits Street that would look at the impact of immigration on the area?

Those this paper interviewed who have agreed to take part in the filming say they are receiving no financial inducement, short of a few incidental expenses. This may well be the case, but perhaps some are hoping for the fame and possible riches that appearing in Benefits Street has provided.

So far the city’s leaders say they are against the filming.

Local MP Alan Whitehead has written to residents appealing for them not to take part. Yet they all know they cannot bar the programme-makers nor dictate the editorial approach taken when the filming is edited.

If Immigration Street does finally go to air, we must hope it is provides a true picture of how Southampton’s residents from all backgrounds live so well side by side.

This may be a naive hope, however.