SIR,

I write in response to G Copcutt's letter published in last week's Beacon.

While I accept that illegal immigration is a major issue which must be dealt with, I do not agree with the other views expressed.

Many Asian staff employed in Indian restaurants are British, whose parents or grandparents arrived here quite legitimately as citizens of the British Empire and Commonwealth.

Britain must accept its post-colonial responsibilities and 'multiculturalism' as a historically inevitable aspect of modern society.

Indian restaurants are hardly "foreign", since they have been a popular part of our culture for many years and we are fortunate to have several in the town.

I appreciate diversity in the area and welcome Asians and people of other ethnic and racial origin who are here legitimately and make a valuable contribution to the local economy.

Celia Bryan

(Monmouth)