Community leaders in Bradford are right to be angry at the decision by Channel 4 to yet again use Bradford as a platform for a dubious form of television entertainment.

Of course there is a great deal of value in looking at the issue of multiculturalism, community segregation and the way people of different faiths, backgrounds and cultures integrate with each other.

But there are a number of concerns about this particular programme. Firstly, Bradford is by no means unique in respect of its cultural mix, and there are many other areas in Britain with a higher ethnic minority population. Channel 4 seems to have a fixation with the district as if it was the only place in the country that has a multi-ethnic community.

Secondly, the apparent format of this show is a cause for deep concern. Like many so-called reality shows, it seems that this will be a voyeuristic series, creating an artificial environment that is more akin to a game show than it is to real life.

These shows tend to lead simply to individuals playing up to the camera, reinforcing stereotypes while enjoying their 15 minutes of fame. Nobody can behave in a goldfish bowl in the way they would in the open air.

Thirdly, the comments of Channel 4 bosses about this being an important look at a serious issue do not hold water. If they wanted to do that, the channel should have adopted an in-depth documentary format rather than a Big Brother-style freakshow approach, which is the way it is being presented at the moment. To take a subject like this and turn it into entertainment is extremely unwise.

Even the name – Make Bradford British – is crass and extremely unhelpful, suggesting that people who live here are not British if they are of ethnic minority origin, whether they were born here or not. Surely this is perilously close to racism? If this programme ultimately emerges as it is being portrayed, then it can only be concluded it is designed for one thing and one thing only – to win ratings, regardless of the damage done.