Hundreds Of Asylum Seekers Now Housed At Crowborough Barracks

A former military site in Crowborough is now housing around 350 asylum seekers, according to the Home Office, as part of efforts to reduce reliance on hotels.

The site, previously used as a cadet training camp, is now more than half full, nearly three months after the first arrivals.

Border Security and Asylum Minister Alex Norris said the government is expanding the use of military accommodation, describing it as “safe and humane” and part of wider plans to reform the system.

The move has drawn criticism from several politicians. Local Conservative MP Nus Ghani said the site had not delivered cost savings, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage questioned how numbers may increase in the coming months.

There have also been peaceful protests in the town, with anti-racism campaigners warning of tensions within the community.

A Sussex Police spokesperson said recorded crime in the Crowborough area has fallen compared to the same period last year.

Politicians from multiple parties, including the Greens and Liberal Democrats, have also raised concerns about the use of military sites, as debate continues over how best to manage asylum accommodation in the UK.