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In the East Sussex town of Crowborough, local residents recently demonstrated against the government’s decision to accommodate 600 asylum seekers at a disused military training facility on the town’s outskirts. The announcement, made in October, revealed plans to repurpose the former army site to house those seeking asylum in the UK. Sussex Police confirmed that the Sunday morning protest was peaceful and that no arrests arose from the event.
The government’s strategy to relocate asylum seekers from hotels to military sites is part of a broader effort to phase out the use of hotels for temporary accommodation, a commitment it aims to fulfill before the next general election. A spokesperson from the Home Office emphasized that this plan intends to provide more appropriate housing options in order to alleviate pressures experienced by communities across the country. They also stressed that ensuring public safety remains a top priority, adding, “We are working closely with local authorities, property partners and the local community as we transition away from using hotels.”
Despite these efforts, the Home Office has faced criticism regarding how the Crowborough plans were communicated. Wealden District Council highlighted concerns about a lack of information sharing, describing it as an “information vacuum” that contributed to heightened tensions within the community and led to threats against local councillors. In response, the Home Office issued an apology over the handling of the situation, acknowledging the difficulties caused by the communication breakdown.
Since the announcement, protests have continued in Crowborough, reflecting community unease about the presence of asylum seekers, with residents voicing concerns over safety and security given the proximity to local schools and the town center. The controversy underscores ongoing challenges in balancing government housing policies for asylum seekers with the concerns of host communities
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