BBC1's Panorama - Hate on the Doorstep (Paul Harrod)

BBC1's Panorama - Hate on the Doorstep

October 20, 2009 12:24 PM

I was shocked and appalled to see the horrific racist abuse the BBC's Panorama documentary uncovered in Southmead. It was deeply disturbing to watch and I hope that the police will have enough evidence to follow up on some specifics examples.

Despite this we must remember that Southmead is becoming a much more balanced and sustainable community. Yes of course there are still pockets of poverty and deprivation, but there has been new housing built, many of the Primary schools are improving fast, and Southmead has lots of wonderful green space -all be it in great need of further investment.

There is also a real sense of community and of neighbourliness. Whether that is the various churches working together on projects such as the NOISE, or the frequent community events and celebrations, or the charities and social enterprises such as the Southmead Project working tirelessly to support local people.

Panorama has exposed a nasty side of Bristol that I am sure all of us wish was not there.

But, shocking though it was, we must not assume that all of Southmead is like that.

Nothing could be further from the truth.