AS an issue, immigration stirs deep feelings and division. It can fuel racist attitudes, something seized upon by those political parties which will capitalise on them.

David Cameron's Conservative Party, with its moderate centre left "green" approach, might appeal to the voters, but within its ranks there are those who will scrutinise and speculate, using the immigration figures fiasco as an opportunity to distil negativity.

The line between disadvantage in one country and opportunity in another is often portrayed as some kind of "benefits" bonanza and burden on the exchequer of the country providing domicile for the immigrant.

Yet there are many who seek opportunities to work in this country who are filling jobs that are available, or where their expertise can be developed. Of course, it is important that everyone is given the same opportunity. Above all, immigration should not be used to fill the "skills gap" in a move that would discriminate against those seeking work within the UK.

It is very much what your Comment column (Echo, Oct 30) proclaims as "Finding the right balance". I agree it is "far better to be grown up about immigration than to allow the poison of the far right to spread".

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe, Durham.