MIGRATION is nothing new in York. You only have to look at the city’s Viking place-names to realise that.

We did miss out on many of the more recent waves of inward migration that characterised the 20th century. But the opening up of Europe to former eastern bloc countries and the success of the university has seen a big increase in the numbers of people from outside the UK coming to live and work here.

Just how ethnically diverse York now is will be demonstrated by the “faiths audit” now under way.

Over the next four months, people are being invited to complete an online survey about their religious beliefs.

The audit will be an opportunity to “celebrate the wealth of faiths and cultures which exist here,” said city council chief executive Bill McCarthy.

We welcome the audit, and the chance for greater dialogue and understanding it represents.

In difficult times such as these, there will always be some who resent newcomers, and others who feel unable to express their views for fear of being labelled racist or bigoted.

But, as long as it is done with respect, it is hugely important that we feel able to talk about differences. That is what makes us a community.