CRUNCH talks will take place today between city representatives trying to block a controversial documentary and Channel 4 bosses.

The meeting will take place in Southampton, 24 hours before scores of campaigners travel to the capital to protest against the proposed TV show ‘Immigration Street’.

The fresh attempt to have the programme ditched comes as more than 1,000 people have signed a petition opposing the show, which they feel is unfair and will split the cohesive community of Derby Road.

As reported, Southampton and Unite Community member Joe Dukes set up the petition because he believes the community is against it.

He said: “I’m proud that Southampton’s people have come together, in support of Newtown residents, to oppose this socially-divisive reality TV show.

“Reaching 1,000 signatures in such a short time period is fantastic news for our city.”

Protesters will travel to London and submit the petition to Channel 4 bosses, calling on the broadcaster to drop the programme.

Daily Echo:

Love Productions during the filming

Southampton City Councillor Satvir Kaur has encouraged residents to attend the Stand up for Southampton demonstration en masse and said: “Residents fear they’re being victimised and used for entertainment and many don’t want Channel 4 to get away with it.”

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, Newtown residents and protesters against the documentary, organised by Southampton’s Communities Alliance have organised a variety of events across the city.

Last weekend more than 50 people gathered at a public meeting following a march in the city, carrying placards.

Those taking part said they were concerned that the programme would give the area a bad profile while Chris Bocker, who had been due to appear in the programme but pulled out, said he believed the show would be a “comedy sketch”.

The programme makers are the same as those behind Benefits Street, which was complained about more than 950 times after it aired at the start of 2014.