I should like to respond to the letter in Open Lines on April 13 from Mr W Berry that shows a negative image about the city's Somali community.

Somalis in Bristol make valuable contributions to society. Some of their contributions are:

There are small businesses run by Somalis such as shops, internet cafes, Somali restaurants etc.

Rundown neighbourhoods in Bristol are now filled by Somalis. As a result of their occupation, most of these neighbourhoods are now vibrant areas.

Also some council estates in St Paul's and Easton, where authorities experienced a high number of crimes, were transformed by Somalis. It can be argued that Somalis contributed to the regeneration of some neighbourhoods in Bristol.

There are a lot of Somalis who are drivers of Bristol buses and taxis, and some work for the Government and local authority.

There are a large number of Somalis who regularly attend universities in Bristol.

Despite all these positive contributions, Somalis in Bristol face huge challenges and there is little known in Bristol about their contributions.

The stereotypical view of Somalis heard by many of the city's residents is they are benefit seekers and their only aim is to produce as many children as possible in order to get the maximum amount of benefit from the Government. I am not denying that there are Somalis in Bristol relying on Government support.

The language barrier is another challenge that faces Somalis in Bristol.

And finally, I would like Somalis to adapt better to British society and that the society would receive and accept them. But in order for that to happen, changes must take place both in the Somali community and in the general atmosphere in Britain. The first generation of Somalis that arrived here still longs for a return to the homeland so integration may be difficult for that reason. We Somalis should focus on staying here.

Mohamed Cantoobo, UWE Somali Student Association.