Hundreds of residents in an East Sussex town protested plans to convert a former military site into accommodation for hundreds of asylum seekers, citing safety, transparency, and community impact concerns.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Hundreds of residents gathered in Crowborough, East Sussex, on Saturday as locals marched through the town to oppose government plans to house up to 600 asylum seekers at a former military training site on the outskirts of the community. The demonstration followed confirmation that dozens of asylum seekers had already been moved into the site, triggering anger among residents who say they were given little warning and insufficient information.
A Crowborough resident claimed local frustration intensified after 27 men were transferred overnight into the former army cadet training camp, alleging the government misled the community about advance notice, security arrangements, and the expected duration of the accommodation plan. Residents said assurances previously provided to the town did not align with how quickly the site was activated.
The protest followed earlier unrest outside the former military facility, where three individuals were arrested during a demonstration against the site’s use. Sussex Police said a gathering outside Crowborough Training Camp on Friday, January 23, began peacefully but deteriorated when a vehicle attempted to leave the premises.
Police said three people obstructed the vehicle, shouted abuse, and struck it during 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 the strong concerns raised by the use of the site but said a small group within the crowd acted in a “threatening and intimidatory manner.” He said police would continue to support lawful and peaceful protest but would intervene if behaviour crossed into intimidation or abuse.
According to officials, 27 men seeking asylum arrived at the former barracks earlier in the week. The Home Office has said the site is expected to house up to 500 people as part of a broader government effort to reduce reliance on hotel accommodation for asylum seekers, which officials have described as costly and unsustainable.
The plan has faced opposition from Wealden District Council and local Member of Parliament Nus Ghani and has sparked multiple demonstrations in Crowborough. Sussex Police said officers have increased their presence in the area to reassure residents and maintain engagement with the community in the coming weeks.
The Home Office said the site will operate with continuous security measures, including CCTV monitoring and strict sign-in procedures for those staying at the facility.
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