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Christian charity slams Channel Four over Benefits Street

A Christian charity has lashed out at Channel 4 over its portrayal of people on social welfare in its new fly on the wall series 'Benefits Street'.

Those who live on James Turner Street in Birmingham feel they are being misrepresented.

Last night a public meeting - organised by Oasis UK, which runs the Oasis Foundry Academy school on the street - was held for residents to air their anger.  Those attending heard that a studio debate would take place after the series finishes.

Gareth Streeter from the organisation told Premier's News Hour the programme ridicules people:

A Channel 4 spokesman issues Premier with this statement:

"Filmed for more than a year, this fair and balanced observational documentary series is a fair reflection of the reality of life on a street where the majority of households receive benefits - and in an area of Birmingham that has had the highest rate of unemployment in the country for the last eight years.

"Time and again the series reveals a community where residents know that, when times get tough, they can turn to each other for help. It is a sympathetic, humane and objective portrayal of how people are coping with continuing austerity and cuts in benefits."

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