Hundreds marched in Crowborough, East Sussex to protest plans to house up to 600 asylum seekers at a local former military site.
One Crowborough resident claimed that locals were furious after 27 migrants were moved into a nearby army cadet training camp overnight. He accused the government of misleading residents about notice, security and how long the site would be used.
Previously, three people were arrested outside the former military site when they protested its use to house asylum seekers. Sussex Police said a gathering outside Crowborough Training Camp on Friday, January 23rd, was initially peaceful before tensions escalated as a vehicle attempted to leave the site.
According to police, three individuals obstructed the vehicle, shouted abuse and struck it in two separate incidents. Two men, aged 36 and 54, and a 62-year-old woman, were arrested on suspicion of public order offences.
Police Chief Superintendent James Collis acknowledged that the use of the site had caused concern within the local community but said a small group within the gathering acted in a “threatening and intimidatory manner.” He stressed that while police would continue to facilitate peaceful protest, abusive or threatening behaviour would not be tolerated.
Already, a reported 27 men seeking asylum arrived at the former barracks earlier this week. The Home Office says the site is expected to house up to 500 people as part of the government’s plan to reduce reliance on costly hotel accommodation.
The scheme has drawn criticism from Wealden District Council and local MP Nus Ghani, and has prompted several protests in Crowborough. Sussex Police claimed that officers have increased their presence in the area to provide reassurance and maintain engagement with residents in the coming weeks.
The Home Office asserted that the site operates with round-the-clock security, including CCTV and strict sign-in procedures for those staying there.
