Chris Carter THERE S been a big reaction to Cllr Muhammed Javed s comments about white people moving out of Redbridge and his views on those who replace them. (see page 13) Immigration has been a hot topic over the past few years, but one of which the mainstream parti

Chris Carter

THERE'S been a big reaction to Cllr Muhammed Javed's comments about white people moving out of Redbridge and his views on those who replace them. (see page 13)

Immigration has been a hot topic over the past few years, but one of which the mainstream parties have failed to grasp hold.

Redbridge has always been a borough which welcomes newcomers and their customs - that's generally seen as the mix which makes the borough such a vibrant melting pot.

But many feel there must be a balance between respecting people's faiths and customs and integrating with the majority.

Most of those who have commented on Cllr Javed's views agree with him - many of whose families have, at one time, been newcomers.

It seems to be the first shot in the election battles to come, both on a local and national scale, in which there will be a more open debate on immigration and the assimilation of new communities.