Crowborough, East Sussex, is bracing for a tense weekend as the town adjusts to the sudden arrival of male asylum seekers at a former military barracks.
The first migrants were transported to the site under police escort in the early hours, sparking concern and protest among local residents.
The Home Office confirmed that 27 men have been moved into Crowborough Army Camp, which will eventually house over 500 single adult men.
They will not be detained and are free to come and go, though their stay is temporary, with most remaining for 70 to 90 days at a time.
On-Site Medical Care Introduced
To address concerns about local services, the Home Office announced that the asylum seekers will have access to a dedicated on-site GP.
Officials say this arrangement should limit the strain on nearby doctors and clinics, only directing residents to off-site medical facilities if they require more specialized treatment.
However, residents have voiced frustration, noting that access to local GP appointments is already difficult.
For many, the announcement adds to a growing sense of unease about the impact of the camp on the community.
Protests Erupt as Locals React
Protesters were seen gathering in Crowborough’s High Street, waving England and Union Jack flags in opposition to the Home Office’s plan.
Police are preparing for the potential arrival of hundreds more demonstrators over the weekend.
Local councillor Andrew Wilson highlighted another concern: the bus stop used by schoolchildren passes directly by the barracks.
Parents are reportedly pulling their children from schools along the route due to safety worries.
Wilson estimates that, over a year, nearly 2,800 individuals could pass through Crowborough under this temporary housing system.
Community Safety Concerns
Residents fear that concentrating hundreds of single adult men in one location could pose risks.
Karen Creed, 62, voiced her anxiety over the lack of background checks and the fact that the centre houses only men.
“We don’t know anything about them,” she said.
“I want to feel safe walking in my town. It feels like the Government is playing with my freedom.”
These sentiments echo fears across the country following high-profile crimes committed by asylum seekers in other areas.
Political Fallout Intensifies
The centre’s opening has drawn sharp criticism from Conservative politicians.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described the move as “another day of shame” for Labour, citing past crimes allegedly committed by illegal immigrants in asylum accommodation.
He also criticized the government for bringing the men in “under cover of darkness.”
Local MP Nusrat Ghani added her voice, accusing the Home Office of a “shameful lack of transparency,” while campaign groups like Crowborough Shield are exploring legal action to challenge the centre.
Kim Bailey, chair of the group, criticized the lack of communication that she says has caused fear among the town’s 23,000 residents.
The Broader National Picture
Labour plans to replace asylum hotels with large-scale sites like Crowborough’s barracks by 2029.
Latest figures show 36,273 asylum seekers were housed in hotels at the end of September, marking a 13% increase.
Home Secretary Ms Mahmood stated, “Crowborough is just the start,” promising more centres as part of a wider strategy to regain control over the asylum system and reduce pressure on local communities.
Photos released by the Home Office show basic dormitory-style accommodations inside the former barracks.
Tensions Remain High
While the community has welcomed refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan in the past, residents argue this situation is different due to the scale and demographics of the new arrivals.
Concerns about safety, logistics, and the lack of transparency continue to dominate local conversations as Crowborough prepares for what is expected to be a contentious period.
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