Home Office To House Asylum Seekers At Crowborough Barracks Despite Protests

The Home Office has confirmed plans to temporarily house 540 asylum seekers at the former Crowborough army training camp in East Sussex, local authorities say.

The scheme, initially announced last year, was temporarily put on hold but is now expected to go ahead within the next few days.

Wealden District Council leader James Partridge described the decision as “wrong” but urged the community to “make the best of it.”

He said the council is exploring whether it can legally challenge the plans, but added that the opening of the site is “very likely.”

Protests against the proposal have taken place in Crowborough on a near-weekly basis, with demonstrators waving Union flags and carrying banners calling for stricter immigration enforcement.

Speaking on Facebook, Cllr Partridge encouraged residents to respond with unity and empathy, referencing the town’s support for Afghan and Ukrainian refugees in the past.

“Crowborough showed the best of itself through its collective spirit of togetherness, empathy, support and kindness,” he said.

“As difficult as many of us may find it, I ask that the same spirit comes to the fore again.”

He added the council will continue working with the police and other local authorities to ensure the community feels safe and secure.

The Home Office has previously said using former military sites is intended to replace the controversial use of hotels and provide better outcomes for taxpayers.