An open letter signed by leaders from the public, private and voluntary sectors in Southampton is calling on Channel 4 to “be a responsible broadcaster” and not to screen its controversial documentary being filmed in the Derby Road area.

They express their concerns about the impact that the programme could have on local community cohesion, on the health and wellbeing of residents, the city’s reputation, and the possibility that the broadcast could attract extremists to the peaceful and diverse community.

It’s signed by business leaders, the local  MP, the leader of the council, the police and crime commissioner, health representatives, the local residents’ association and head teacher, and others.

The partners say in their letter that: “Health organisations, local doctors and voluntary organisations have already voiced their concerns about the inadequate measures to protect vulnerable people and the threats to community cohesion and we regret that the offer of a meeting with the local specialists to address these concerns has been rejected.”

The letter concludes: “Whilst we respect and support the media’s freedom of expression and value its importance in an open society, we are clear that the greater public interest will be served by not screening this programme. We wholeheartedly support the majority of the local community in its opposition to the making of it. Therefore we call upon Channel 4 and Love Productions to show their integrity by abandoning the screening of this programme now and to leave local people to resume their lives without this unwanted, unwarranted and damaging intrusion.”