Police clashed with approximately twenty protesters in Crowborough, East Sussex, this morning during a demonstration against controversial government plans to house hundreds of asylum seekers in a former army barracks.
Weekly Protests Turn Confrontational
For the twelfth consecutive Sunday, furious locals marched through the town to oppose a Home Office proposal to accommodate around 540 male asylum seekers at the former cadet camp. The scheme is part of a national effort to reduce the costly use of hotels for migrant housing. However, today's demonstration escalated when a splinter group broke away from the main march and attempted to approach the Moat Farm site.
They were swiftly met by a line of uniformed officers who physically blocked their path, preventing access to the camp perimeter. This direct confrontation marks a significant intensification in the long-running community dispute.
'Smuggled' Equipment and Accusations of Deceit
Campaigners' anger has been fuelled by recent sightings of delivery trucks carrying what they describe as large quantities of food and refrigeration units into the secluded site. Activists from the Crowborough Shield action group have labelled this activity as equipment being 'smuggled in under cover of darkness', accusing the Home Office of acting in bad faith.
This is despite the department's continued public insistence that 'no final decision' on using the camp has been made. In a letter to Wealden District Council, officials reiterated this position, though they have apologised for their handling of the communication around the potential plans.
Legal Fight and Community Fears
The community group, which has raised over £93,000 to fund a potential Judicial Review, cites a profound lack of consultation and transparency. Locals argue the Home Secretary is 'riding roughshod' over their concerns, which include:
- Fear over the safety of housing single male migrants with unvetted backgrounds.
- Strain on local infrastructure, health services, and police provision.
- The belief that the former sheltered housing should be used by the NHS to alleviate hospital bed-blocking instead.
Protesters waved St George's and Union Flags, holding banners with slogans like 'Crowborough says no' and 'Betrayed by our leaders'. Campaigner Eddie Fahey stated: "When you see equipment being smuggled in... you know that decision has already been taken. It's a disgrace we are being treated like this."
Government Stance and Local Defiance
A Home Office spokesman defended the broader policy, stating: "We are furious at the level of illegal migrants and asylum hotels. This government will close every asylum hotel." They emphasised work was underway to find more suitable sites to ease pressure on communities.
However, Kim Bailey, a director of Crowborough Shield, countered: "We all know that's not true... These reckless decisions about our town... is not just something we are going to stand by and let happen." The group vows to continue its weekly protests and legal challenge, signalling the battle over the future of the Crowborough camp is far from over.
