🔗 Share this article

Within the packed shelves of a tool shop in an East Sussex community, there is a striking empty space on the wall where cooking blades were once shown.

Community rumours indicate this alteration is connected to the dominant news story occupying the town: the reported planned housing of several hundred of individuals claiming asylum at a local defence facility.

The store manager explains he was asked to relocate the knives by officers as part of a general knife crime initiative. "Considering the coincidence, the possibility that that's pertinent to the camp, I don't know," he adds.

A Community Filled by Confusion

This occurrence is typical of the pervasive confusion and apprehension in this town of approximately 22,000 residents. Locals are actively opposing plans to house up to 540 single adult male asylum seekers at the military site.

The site was said to be identified as part of a ministerial pledge to relocate asylum seekers out of temporary lodgings. Although official comments that no definitive choice has been made, many residents are preparing for what they view as an disruptive arrival on their quiet community.

Patrols and Accusations

Accusations of taking the law into one's own hands have been directed towards the community after a locally formed group established to walk the neighbourhood at night, in identifiable vests.

Members of this group are eager to separate from the "lawless" label. "That is ludicrous," states one founder, a ex- scout leader. "The group consists of all men over the age of 40. It's just unfounded."

They claim their aim is to allay community fears and position themselves as a visible neighbourhood watch ahead of any rumoured arrivals.

"We have a lengthy response time for the police to get here. So if you're in trouble, you've effectively got to ask someone to stop harming you momentarily?" one member quips.

They emphasise they would only intervene in the gravest of situations, having received advice on the legal limits of a civilian detention.

Divergent Opinions in the Community

While most people in the town interviewed disagree with the scheme, there are contrasting voices. One deli manager, who himself moved to the UK in the past, notes on the welcome he received.

"I think it's acceptable for people to arrive," he said, referencing that migration is a feature across Europe. "Every country accepts people."

However, this welcoming attitude was hardly in evidence on a particular Tuesday evening. Apprehension were palpable outside the training camp.

Evening of Speculation

A crowd of about 50 activists had congregated near the camp entrance. Believing that staff were preparing the site, and noting a heavy police presence, many started to believe the arrival of asylum seekers was hours away.

"Since it's going to be a covert move, right?" one man remarked. "They're not going to bring them in during the day."

Police officers on site replied briefly to questions. A local builder described the atmosphere: "Usually, and I'm not exaggerating, you can hear a pin drop in Crowborough at night."

The atmosphere worsened when police enacted a public order power, granting them authority to disperse anyone causing a disturbance. For many in the crowd, this was evidence the area was being prepared for the imminent arrival of asylum seekers.

Baseless rumours began to spread. One man insisted he had seen buses carrying asylum seekers. Soon later, a vehicle labelled "contract bus" passed by the main road, with unidentifiable faces seen at the windows, intensifying the speculation.

A elected representative present at the scene sought to reassure the concerned man, stating that such buses were routine on that route, often transporting adherents of a religious group from a nearby headquarters.

Fears and Anger

Throughout the night, tense exchanges occurred between the crowd and police. Irritation was aimed towards the alleged lack of communication from the government.

"You don't know no idea who they are! They're not processed!" screamed one man at an officer. "Everything would be totally turned if your own loved ones was attacked, though?"

Claims of bias were thrown, with some claiming that certain groups were being treated differently by the police.

Several residents stated anger at media portrayals of their actions, especially after a weekend march attended by many people.

"We are not far right," stated one woman. "This is a very affluent area. We are just ordinary residents who don't want this in our community."

She went on, "Our concern is a large number of men we know absolutely nothing about being dumped here. It's frightening. It wouldn't matter what background, I would continue protesting."

The Drama That Came to Nothing

In the end, the standoff subsided. By the middle of the night, it became apparent that no asylum seekers were arriving that night, and most people left.

Behind the scenes, a bitter blame game was afoot. Local councillors and the local MP were trading accusations, with claims of misinformation and poor judgement being levelled.

One local leader stated the MP of being "reckless" and spreading "falsehoods" that created division and worry within the community.

Apprehension Remains

Regardless of the disputes, few in the area were content with the negative attention brought upon the town. One resident said that a friend felt "disappointed" of Crowborough because of the unrest, though they would be afraid to say so aloud.

The following day, further messages spread among activists of a continued police presence at the camp, sparking fears that arrivals were possible from that day on.

And so, with little concrete information, the state of commotion began to repeat.