I live in Saltdean and am delighted refugees will soon be spending some time at the Grand Ocean Hotel.

When we join together to welcome people who are in need of help and support, it is often a great way to bring out the best in a community.

During the First World War, Brighton looked after large numbers of soldiers from India. It was good for the visitors and good for us.

Having refugees in our neighbourhood is also a wonderful opportunity to learn more about other cultures and language and find out at first hand what is happening in parts of the world where poverty, tyranny and war make life so hard for people.

If we think we don't have the facilities here to deal with an influx of refugees, maybe this could be the time for us to unite and campaign for better resources for the whole community.

For example, a library that is open every day, a proper makeover for the Lido, a better playground in the park for young children and the other things this area lacks.

Many people in Saltdean care about people from far-away countries. The local Christian Aid collection raised £3,798 last summer.

I would like to work with anyone who wants to actively welcome these visitors so they remember Saltdean as a place of tolerance, warmth and respect. Please contact me if you feel the same.

-Professor Raphael Salkie, r.m.salkie@bton.ac.uk