Manston, a quaint village in Kent, is facing tension as the local airport, historically significant for its role in the Battle of Britain, becomes the focal point of a heated debate.
Residents, proud of their village’s wartime legacy, are now concerned about the expansion of the Manston Asylum Processing Centre, just across the road from their homes.
With a population of just under 2,000, the village is small, quiet, and community-centered, but now, many worry that the centre’s proposed £700 million expansion could threaten the peaceful nature of their neighborhood.
Concerns About the Future of the Centre
The proposed expansion of the facility, which was originally designed as a short-term processing center for asylum seekers arriving from France, is raising alarm among local residents.
They fear that the refurbishment may lead to the site becoming a long-term housing solution for migrants, rather than just a temporary holding space.
Many residents claim that the Home Office is keeping details about the expansion under wraps, adding to the uncertainty and anxiety in the community.
“We have no idea what’s really going on,” said one concerned mother.
“We’ve been told the asylum seekers will only be here temporarily, but it feels more like they’re preparing to keep people here permanently.
We haven’t even received a letter explaining what’s happening or what the government is planning.”
The History of the Centre and Its Impact on the Community
Opened in 2022, the Manston site was initially intended to handle a few thousand asylum seekers.
However, just nine months after its opening, the site became overwhelmed, housing nearly 4,000 people, far exceeding its capacity of 1,500.
The situation quickly deteriorated, with reports of overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and outbreaks of diseases such as diphtheria and MRSA.
The crisis led to violence and even a fatality, with one migrant tragically losing their life.
The chaotic situation at Manston sparked public outrage, and next month, an inquiry will be launched to investigate the decisions and actions that allowed 18,000 people to be detained for longer than the legal 24-hour limit.
Despite this troubled history, the government is moving forward with plans to spend even more money on expanding the centre, which has residents concerned about the future of their community.
Local Residents Speak Out Against the Expansion
For residents living in the surrounding area, the expansion represents a significant change.
Rob Carroll, a long-time local, expressed frustration with what he sees as misplaced priorities.
“We need to support our own people,” he said. “There are economic migrants coming here, and that’s what frustrates many of us.
Our public services—doctors, schools, even special needs facilities—are already under pressure.
We can’t afford to be spending millions on this.”
Many locals also worry about the impact on housing and medical services, with some schools reportedly overcrowded and healthcare appointments difficult to access.
“You can’t even get a GP appointment here without going through a long referral process,” said Carroll.
“It’s frustrating to see so much money going into this when local services are struggling.”
The Fear of Permanent Settlement
One of the most pressing concerns among locals is the possibility that the centre could evolve from a temporary processing site into a permanent asylum-holding facility.
With 93 acres of space, some residents worry that the expansion could lead to long-term housing for asylum seekers, rather than the short-term accommodation the government has promised.
“Why are they spending so much money if it’s just a temporary solution?” asked one resident.
“They have all this space, and it seems like they’re building something that will last long-term.”
Despite these concerns, the Home Office has assured residents that the site will remain focused on processing migrants quickly, with no plans to turn it into a permanent facility.
However, many locals remain skeptical and fear that the government’s true intentions are being hidden.
Strained Infrastructure and Local Opposition
For residents like Paul Bell, who lives nearby, the main issue is the lack of infrastructure upgrades to support the growing demands of the area.
“I don’t mind the centre, but the infrastructure needs to catch up,” he said.
“There’s more traffic now, and the housing and medical services are feeling the strain.”
Many residents, including those who have lived in the village for decades, are worried about the long-term effects of the expansion.
The potential for increased traffic, noise, and the impact on property values are major concerns, with some fearing that the area will no longer be the peaceful village they once knew.
The Question of Cost and Priorities
The largest concern voiced by locals is the financial burden. “We’re already struggling with our own problems here,” said Kevin Jones, a local resident.
“The government is spending millions to upgrade the centre when there are people in this country who need help.
Why is this money not being spent on our own people?”
The debate over the expansion of the asylum centre has sparked divisions in the community, with some supporting the project while others strongly oppose it.
Local MP Sir Roger Gale has tried to reassure constituents that there will be no long-term housing of asylum seekers at the site, but many residents remain unconvinced.
What’s Next for Manston?
As the expansion plans move forward, the Home Office remains committed to addressing the needs of asylum seekers while ensuring that local communities are kept safe.
The government has promised to consult with residents about the changes and upgrade the infrastructure at the site.
However, with construction expected to continue until 2028, many residents are left wondering whether the expansion is really just the beginning of something much bigger.
For now, the residents of Manston remain caught between their pride in their village’s history and their growing fears about the future.
They continue to watch closely, unsure of what’s coming next for their small but historically significant community.