Three months ago, Kim Bailey described her existence as decidedly humdrum. The 44-year-old mother-of-four was entrenched in a full-time managerial role within the public sector, her days punctuated by dog walks in the forest and a decade-long marriage. Residing in the picturesque East Sussex town of Crowborough, she admits, 'I was boring – very boring.' The notion of leading street protests, confronting seasoned politicians, or appearing on breakfast television was utterly foreign to her. 'I'd never been on a protest before, I'd never done anything like this in my life,' she reflects.
A Community Jolted into Action
This all changed dramatically in October, when the Home Office unveiled plans to repurpose the town's military training camp, primarily used by Army cadets, into temporary accommodation for up to 600 adult male asylum seekers. Seated in the Blue Anchor pub, now a familiar backdrop to the ensuing turmoil, Kim recounts how her life has been anything but dull since. When interviewed on a recent Thursday, she had spent much of the day under an umbrella at the camp's entrance, articulating the deep-seated concerns of Crowborough's residents.
This market town, with its tidy Waitrose branch and proximity to the Ashdown Forest of Winnie-the-Pooh fame, has seen hundreds, sometimes thousands, of its citizens take to the streets every Sunday in protest. They argue the decision 'rides roughshod' not only over their community but over established planning law. The situation escalated in the early hours of one Thursday, when the first group of 27 migrants was transported into the camp by coach under police escort at 3.28am – a timing many feel lacks transparency. Further movements followed, indicating numbers are growing, though a Home Office spokesman stated, 'We won't be providing a running commentary on numbers.'
The Unlikely Campaign Chairwoman
Kim's pivotal moment came at a hastily convened public meeting, where she unexpectedly volunteered to chair what she insists must be a community-led, not political, campaign. 'I can't tell you why,' she says with a chuckle, recalling an internal voice urging her to stand down. Ignoring that doubt, she has since taken leave from her senior managerial position to spearhead Crowborough Shield, the campaign group formed in response to the government's announcement.
The group's mission is to protect 'the interests, wellbeing and long-term future of Crowborough and its surrounding communities.' A primary focus is seeking a judicial review against the camp's conversion, driven by widespread alarm over the impact of housing a large, undocumented group of male migrants and the opaque decision-making process. 'This isn't about 600 asylum seekers. This is about the whole thing,' Kim asserts passionately. 'This is about unsuitable accommodation for people that are supposed to be vulnerable and at risk. This is about a community that is having a central government decision imposed on them without any say.'
Personal Stakes and Legal Battles
Her advocacy is not without personal risk. As a director of Crowborough Shield, alongside co-chair Alex de Warrenne, Kim faces potential financial liability if their legal challenge fails. A crowdfunder has raised £93,000, but with no cap on costs and the Home Office already seeking £35,000, the threat to their homes is real. 'If there's one thing to fight for, it's that, isn't it? The family home,' she states, reflecting on her journey from foster care to homeownership through sheer determination.
Kim's resolve is shaped by a lifetime of advocacy. Having challenged social services in her youth and stood up against bullies, she describes herself as 'a dog with a bone' when confronting injustice. Past battles include taking on British Airways over Covid-era flight refunds, a victory she shared online to help others. This tenacity now fuels her fight against the Home Office, which she accuses of failing to engage with or reassure the community.
Community Fears and Political Nuances
Crowborough is noted for its political diversity, with Wealden District Council led by a Liberal Democrat/Green/Labour alliance. Kim emphasises that Crowborough Shield reflects this diversity, rejecting accusations of Nimbyism. She points to the town's history of welcoming Afghan and Ukrainian refugees, contrasting it with the current plan. 'It's very different to have 250 families compared with 600 single undocumented men from unknown origins, unknown criminal backgrounds, on the edge of town with nothing to do,' she explains.
Residents' fears are palpable. Incidents elsewhere, such as an asylum seeker's sexual assault conviction in Epping, heighten anxieties. 'It definitely brings fear to our community,' Kim acknowledges. 'Whether it's genuine or perceived, it's still a real fear that needs to be managed carefully and sensitively.' Locals like Phill Straker, 69, who lives near the camp, have installed security cameras, concerned for his wife's safety while beekeeping. Mark Hodson of Crowborough Security Systems reports a surge in demand for alarms and cameras, driven by widespread worry.
A Silver Lining Amidst the Struggle
For Kim, the crisis has forged unexpected connections. Previously planning a move to Spain amid divorce proceedings, she has now taken her house off the market after inquiries dried up post-announcement. 'This situation has changed the lives of a lot of people,' she notes. 'I've made some lifelong friends.' As Crowborough Shield considers applying for an injunction to halt further migrant placements, Kim remains undeterred. 'I'm used to challenges... It's the right thing to do.' Her journey from a quiet life to community figurehead underscores a town's fierce determination to protect its voice and safety against a contentious government directive.
