Thousands of people have descended on Crowborough as locals continue to protest against plans to house 600 asylum seekers in a nearby army camp.
Protest organisers reported that approximately 3,000 residents participated in today’s march, marking the third consecutive Sunday of demonstrations against proposals to accommodate asylum seekers at the local military facility.
Two separate processions departed from different points in the Sussex town before merging in the centre and proceeding to a rally venue.
In a symbolic gesture, 600 participants wore numbered badges representing the exact count of asylum seekers the Home Office intends to relocate to Crowborough Army Camp.
The demonstrators carried English flags and placards through the downpour, maintaining their campaign momentum despite the challenging weather conditions.
The Home Office intends to transfer the asylum seekers to the military facility at Crowborough’s periphery before the end of December.
Residents discovered the relocation scheme through media leaks, with campaign group leader Kim Bailey warning that arrivals could occur with merely 48 hours’ advance notification.
Community opposition centres on public safety anxieties, particularly following reports that 200 individuals residing in asylum accommodation facilities faced criminal charges, including sexual assault allegations, during the period ending August this year.
The demonstrators carried English flags and placards through the downpour, maintaining their campaign momentum despite the challenging weather conditions
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Demonstrators displayed banners reading “stop rewarding, start deporting” and “protect our town, protect our communities and protect our families and stop 600 illegal immigrants coming to Crowborough”.
The proposals have generated widespread apprehension among the 22,000-strong community, with residents expressing concerns about the rapid implementation timeline and absence of prior consultation.
Four cadet units currently utilising the facility face potential displacement without alternative arrangements being provided, according to Crowborough Shield, the residents’ campaign organisation.
Senior instructors have expressed doubts about maintaining adequate safeguarding standards for young cadets following the asylum seekers’ arrival.
The proposals have generated widespread apprehension among the 22,000-strong community, with residents expressing concerns about the rapid implementation timeline and absence of prior consultation
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The Ministry of Defence stated it regards “the safety and well-being of all cadets extremely seriously” and “continues to work with the Home Office to assess the potential impact that housing asylum seekers on military bases could have on our Cadet Forces.”
Preparations at the facility include installation of substantial fencing and deployment of security personnel with patrol dogs.
Parents and cadet instructors have initiated their own protective measures, conducting informal patrols during cadet collection and delivery times.
Penny Saunders, a 58-year-old office administrator who has lived in Crowborough her entire life, joined today’s demonstration wearing badge number 600.
Meanwhile, Wealden District Council has formally endorsed a motion opposing the asylum seeker accommodation plans
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“I haven’t marched before but I’m in total agreement with it. It will make a huge difference to our community,” Mrs Saunders stated.
She added: “I’ve seen catastrophic changes already. Our local services can’t cope as it is.
“I’ve seen crime rise and it’ll only get worse. This is about community and the fact these men will be undocumented.
“It is about safety. The reason people want to live here is about the community and safety, it is not about racism.”
Crowborough represents one of two locations identified for accommodating individuals who arrived via small boats
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Ms Bailey, who leads Crowborough Shield, emphasised that residents received no advance warning about the plans, which have generated significant anxiety throughout the community.
Meanwhile, Wealden District Council has formally endorsed a motion opposing the asylum seeker accommodation plans.
The military site typically serves as temporary lodging for troops and cadets utilising the adjacent training grounds, rather than maintaining a permanent military presence.
Adult cadet instructors are contemplating suspending training activities in response to the accommodation proposals.
Demonstrators’ placards included messages such as “Home Office think again, this is so wrong”.
Crowborough represents one of two locations identified for accommodating individuals who arrived via small boats.
Protest organisers have already confirmed another demonstration will take place next weekend.