🔗 Share this article

Among the crowded shelves of a tool shop in an East Sussex community, there is a noticeable empty space on the wall where cooking blades were once displayed.

Community rumours suggest this change is linked to the dominant news story occupying the town: the reported planned housing of a large number of individuals claiming asylum at a nearby army cadet site.

The store proprietor explains he was instructed to relocate the knives by police as part of a general knife crime initiative. "Given the timing, whether that's related to the camp, I am unsure," he notes.

A Community Gripped by Uncertainty

This occurrence is symptomatic of the widespread fear and doubt in this town of approximately 22,000 residents. Residents are actively opposing schemes to house up to 540 male asylum seekers at the training camp.

The venue was said to be identified as part of a government vow to move asylum seekers out of emergency housing. Despite government comments that nothing is confirmed has been made, many inhabitants are gearing up for what they view as an imposed change on their peaceful community.

Watches and Labels

Allegations of unofficial policing have been levelled at the community after a resident-run group set up to monitor the area at night, wearing distinctive vests.

Members of this group are quick to separate from the "vigilante" label. "That is absurd," says one founder, a past scout leader. "The group consists of all men over the age of 40. The whole thing is misguided."

They assert their aim is to respond to resident concerns and establish themselves as a reassuring neighbourhood watch ahead of any potential arrivals.

"There is a lengthy response time for the police to arrive. So if you're in trouble, you've practically have to request someone to stop harming you momentarily?" one member quips.

They stress they would only get involved in the most serious of circumstances, having received training on the extent of a citizen's arrest.

Divergent Opinions in the Community

While many people in the town interviewed are against the scheme, there are alternative perspectives. One shop proprietor, who himself came to the UK previously, observes on the welcome he received.

"I think it's acceptable for people to seek shelter," he said, referencing that new arrivals is a fact across Europe. "All nations takes people."

However, this more relaxed stance was scarcely in sight on a tense Tuesday evening. Tensions were elevated outside the training camp.

Night of Tension

A gathering of about 50 protesters had congregated near the camp entrance. Suspecting that workers were preparing the site, and seeing a significant police presence, many started to believe the arrival of asylum seekers was imminent.

"As it's going to be a secretive move, surely?" one man remarked. "They won't bring them in during the day."

Police officers deployed responded curtly to questions. A protester described the atmosphere: "Ordinarily, and I'm not exaggerating, you can hear a pin drop in Crowborough at 10 o'clock."

The situation escalated when police authorised a public order power, granting them the right to disperse anyone likely to cause antisocial behaviour. For many in the crowd, this was confirmation the area was being secured for the immediate transfer of asylum seekers.

Unconfirmed rumours began to spread. One man claimed he had seen coaches carrying asylum seekers. Moments later, a bus labelled "private service" passed by the main road, with shadowy faces peering at the windows, intensifying the speculation.

A community figure who arrived at the scene attempted to calm the agitated man, stating that such buses were regular on that route, often transporting followers of a movement from a local centre.

Fears and Frustrations

During the night, confrontations erupted between protesters and police. Frustration was vented at the perceived lack of transparency from officials.

"They are no idea who they are! They're unvetted!" yelled one man at an officer. "The situation would be totally turned if your own family members was assaulted, right?"

Accusations of two-tier policing were levelled, with some claiming that white British people were being treated unfairly by the police.

Several residents stated upset at how they were being depicted of their concerns, notably after a public rally attended by a large crowd.

"We are not thugs," said one woman. "This is a quiet, normal area. They are just concerned citizens who are opposed to this in our community."

She added, "The problem is a large number of men we know nothing about being dumped here. It's terrifying. This doesn't matter what race, I would carry on protesting."

A Night That Came to Nothing

In the end, the drama dissipated. By the early hours, it became apparent that no asylum seekers were arriving that night, and the crowd dispersed.

Politically, a bitter war of words was raging. Local councillors and the member of parliament were exchanging criticisms, with allegations of irresponsibility and political motives being made.

One senior councillor stated the MP of being "deliberately misleading" and spreading "misinformation" that heightened tension and distrust within the community.

Uncertainty Remains

Regardless of the political wrangling, few in the area were content with the unwanted spotlight brought upon the town. One resident commented that a friend felt "ashamed" of Crowborough because of the protests, though the friend would be afraid to say so aloud.

The following day, fresh reports emerged among protesters of a continued police presence at the camp, indicating that arrivals were imminent from that day onwards.

And so, with no official confirmation, the pattern of speculation began to start again.